CMS-03: India's Heaviest Military Communication Satellite Set for ISRO Launch

The CMS-03 is classified as India's heaviest multi-band military communication satellite, ready for deployment by ISRO.

New Delhi:

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is prepared to launch CMS-03, India's heaviest communication satellite, this Sunday.

This multi-band military communication satellite, also referred to as GSAT-7R, will be transported to space aboard India's most powerful rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3).

The launch operation is scheduled for November 2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

According to ISRO, "CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite designed to provide services across a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass."

They further stated, "Weighing approximately 4,400kg, CMS-03 will become the heaviest communication satellite ever launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian territory."

The LVM3 rocket stands as India's most powerful launch vehicle with a carrying capacity of up to 4,000 kg to space.

This rocket has previously executed successful missions including Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon, which established India as the first nation to achieve a successful landing near the lunar south pole.

The upcoming mission, designated LVM3-M5, will mark the rocket's fifth operational flight.

ISRO confirmed, "The launch vehicle has been completely assembled and integrated with the spacecraft and has been relocated to the launch pad on October 26 for further pre-launch operations."

The GSAT-7R, specifically engineered for the Indian Navy, will replace the GSAT-7 Rukmini satellite that was launched in 2013.

Featuring upgraded payloads, GSAT-7R is designed to enhance secure, multi-band communications capabilities for the Navy and strengthen its operational reach across vital maritime domains.

The CMS-03 payload includes transponders supporting voice, data, and video links across C, extended C, and Ku bands.

This satellite will significantly enhance connectivity for the Navy. It will also provide higher-capacity bandwidth, improving digital access to remote territories. This advancement will benefit both civilian agencies and enhance strategic applications.

Last week, ISRO chairman Dr V. Narayanan also announced the upcoming launch of the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6 satellite before the year concludes.

"Blue Bird is a communication satellite. We have received the satellite and are working toward the launch, with the launch vehicle build-up currently in progress," Narayanan informed IANS during a media briefing for ESTIC-2025.

"The specific date will be announced by the Prime Minister at the appropriate time," he added, stating, "We are aiming to accomplish this before the end of this year."

The Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, will also be deployed using the LVM3 rocket from Sriharikota.