ISRO successfully launched the CMS-03 satellite (also known as GSAT-7R) aboard the LVM3-M5 (Bahubali) rocket on November 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM IST from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Weighing 4,410 kg, CMS-03 is India's heaviest satellite ever launched to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). Developed for the Indian Navy at a cost of ₹1,589 crore, it operates in UHF, S, C, and Ku frequency bands to provide secure voice, video, and data communications for naval ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operation Centres across the Indian Ocean Region. The mission also featured a first-of-its-kind re-ignition of the cryogenic upper stage. GSAT-7R replaces the existing GSAT-7 (INS Rukmini), significantly enhancing the Navy's real-time maritime surveillance and communications. The contract was signed between the Indian Navy and ISRO on June 11, 2019.
ISRO Successfully Launches CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) — India's Heaviest Military Communication Satellite — Aboard LVM3-M5
ISRO successfully launched the CMS-03 satellite (also known as GSAT-7R) aboard the LVM3-M5 (Bahubali) rocket on November 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM IST from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Weighing 4,410 kg, CMS-03 is India's heaviest satellite ever launched to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). Developed for the Indian Navy at a cost of ₹1,589 crore, it operates in UHF, S, C, and Ku frequency bands to provide secure voice, video, and data communications for naval ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operation Centres across the Indian Ocean Region. The mission also featured a first-of-its-kind re-ignition of the cryogenic upper stage. GSAT-7R replaces the existing GSAT-7 (INS Rukmini), significantly enhancing the Navy's real-time maritime surveillance and communications. The contract was signed between the Indian Navy and ISRO on June 11, 2019.
Key facts
- ISRO launched CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) aboard LVM3-M5 from Sriharikota on November 2, 2025.
- Weighing about 4,400 kg, CMS-03 is the heaviest communication satellite launched to GTO from Indian soil.
- Developed for Indian Navy at ₹1,589 crore cost, replacing existing GSAT-7 (INS Rukmini).
- Operates in UHF, S, C, and Ku bands for secure naval communications across Indian Ocean Region.
- Mission featured first-of-its-kind cryogenic upper stage re-ignition experiment by ISRO.
- Enhances Navy's real-time maritime surveillance covering ships, submarines, and aircraft.
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What is the weight of the CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) satellite launched by ISRO on November 2, 2025, making it India's heaviest satellite launched to GTO?
CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, was launched by ISRO on the LVM3-M5 mission on November 2, 2025. ISRO describes it as weighing about 4,400 kg, and contemporary launch reporting gives its mass as 4,410 kg. It became the heaviest communication satellite launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit from Indian soil, so option A is the closest and correct choice.
Source: ISRO / Space.com
Frequently asked questions
What is CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) and when was it launched?
CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, is India's heaviest military communication satellite developed for the Indian Navy at a cost of ₹1,589 crore. It was launched on November 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM IST aboard the LVM3-M5 (Bahubali) rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Why is CMS-03 considered a milestone in India's space programme?
CMS-03 weighs 4,410 kg, making it India's heaviest satellite ever launched to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The mission also featured a first-of-its-kind cryogenic upper stage re-ignition experiment by ISRO, demonstrating advanced propulsion capabilities.
What frequency bands does CMS-03 operate in and what communications does it support?
CMS-03 operates in UHF, S, C, and Ku frequency bands. It provides secure voice, video, and data communications for the Indian Navy's ships, submarines, aircraft, and maritime operations centres across the Indian Ocean Region.
Which satellite does CMS-03 replace and what is its strategic significance for the Navy?
CMS-03 replaces the existing GSAT-7 (known as INS Rukmini), which served as the Navy's primary communication satellite. The new satellite enhances real-time maritime surveillance and secure communication capabilities, strengthening the Navy's operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.
What is the LVM3 rocket and what is its significance in Indian space launches?
LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), nicknamed Bahubali, is ISRO's heaviest operational rocket capable of lifting payloads over 4 tonnes to GTO. It previously launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission and commercial OneWeb satellites, and the CMS-03 mission marked its M5 (fifth mission) flight.
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