The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday launched its heaviest communication satellite to date, CMS-03, marking a crucial leap for India’s independent satellite capabilities and maritime security.
The 4,410 kg CMS-03 satellite rode into a geosynchronous transfer orbit aboard the robust LVM-3 rocket, also known as ‘Bahubali of Indian rockets, from Sriharikota at 5:26 pm IST.
The spacecraft separated from LVM3 in space just over16 minutes after launch. The launch signalled a new era in indigenous heavy satellite launches and oceanic communications.
BOOSTING NAVY’S COMMUNICATION GRID
CMS-03, also referred to as GSAT-7R, is tailor-made to serve as the backbone of the Indian Navy’s communication network across the Indian Ocean.
The satellite is loaded with multi-band payloads, including C, extended C, and Ku bands, that enable secure, high-capacity voice, data, and video transmissions between warships, submarines, aircraft, and shore-based command centers.
Unlike its ageing predecessor GSAT-7 “Rukmini,” CMS-03 offers significantly expanded coverage and bandwidth, ensuring real-time connectivity even in remote or contested ocean zones.
With upgraded encryption, broad frequency support (UHF, S, C, and Ku bands), and high-throughput transponders, CMS-03 will underpin network-centric naval operations, boost situational awareness, and support India’s blue-water ambitions.
The satellite is a critical node in the Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness grid—which allows coordinated responses to threats, improved fleet coordination, and secure information flow across vast oceanic distances.
ENHANCING INDIA’S OCEANIC COMMUNICATION
CMS-03’s footprint covers the Indian subcontinent and wide swathes of the adjoining Indian Ocean Region, far beyond traditional terrestrial networks.
Its continuous geosynchronous position ensures uninterrupted, secure communications for both the armed forces and civilian agencies involved in disaster response, remote sensing, and telemedicine.
The satellite’s introduction reduces India’s reliance on foreign platforms for strategic connectivity, representing a stride in self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
It also future-proofs India’s maritime security architecture against evolving challenges. It advances Indian space technology by integrating sophisticated, indigenous systems with strong dual-use applications across civilian, scientific, and defence sectors.
The successful launch of CMS-03 aboard LVM-3 not only cements ISRO’s place in the heavy-launch market but also fortifies India’s command and communication capabilities in the world’s most critical oceanic region.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The satellite will now rely on its onboard Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) to gradually raise its orbit. The LAM engine will fire multiple times in a carefully planned sequence and for specific durations to adjust the apogee and perigee, ultimately achieving a stable geostationary orbit.
Initially, the LAM will fire at the perigee (the point closest to Earth) to raise the apogee. Once that is done, it will fire again at the apogee (the farthest point) to circularise the orbit.
This entire orbit-raising process will take about 4-7 days, after which an additional 4-5 weeks will be needed to commission the satellite and make it fully operational.
– Ends
