ISRO successfully launched the Indian Navy’s advanced communication satellite GSAT-7R (CMS-03) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Indian Navy’s advanced communication satellite GSAT-7R (CMS-03) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.Due to its high mass, GSAT-7R launched by ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle, the LVM3 under M5 mission, was placed in a standard geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), from where it will use onboard propulsion to raise and circularise its final orbit.It replaces the GSAT-7 (Rukmini) launched in 2013, making it a modern and more capable successor.

Key Facts about the GSAT -7R

¨     GSAT-7R is an indigenously designed and developed multi-band communication satellite, strengthening the Indian Navy’s space-based communications and maritime domain awareness.

¨     Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, it is India’s heaviest communication satellite to be launched from the country to date.

¨     The satellite ensures high-capacity, secure communication for voice, data, and video transmission across C, extended C, Ku, UHF, and S bands.

¨     It is built for a 15-year mission life with advanced indigenous features such as a 1,200-liter propulsion tank and collapsible antenna systems.

Significance

¨     Strategic and Naval Significance: GSAT-7R enables secure and real-time coordination among naval assets, including warships, submarines, and aircraft.It enhances the Navy’s operational effectiveness, command control, and situational awareness during complex maritime operations.

¨     Contribution to Self-Reliance: GSAT-7R embodies the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by utilizing indigenous components and technologies.

¨     Strengthen National Security:It reinforces India’s capacity to safeguard its maritime interests through independent, secure space assets.The satellite strengthens national defense communications and ensures resilient information systems for strategic operations.It also reduces the dependence on foreign launchers for heavy communications satellites.

¨     Preparedness for Gaganyaan mission:The launch demonstrated the capacity of the LVM3 rocket to routinely handle four-tonne-plus satellites to GTO from India, feeding directly into ISRO’s preparations for Gaganyaan, its maiden human spaceflight programme, which plans to use an evolved LVM3 variant.