Context:
• ISRO successfully launched CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) – India’s heaviest communication satellite (~4,400 kg) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• It was launched aboard LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III) – India’s most powerful launch vehicle.
• Satellite injected into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
Key Highlights
Mission / Technology Details
• CMS-03 = multi-band military communication satellite for strategic applications.
• Payload: voice, data, video transponders operating in C / extended-C / Ku-bands.
• LVM3 can carry up to 4,000 kg to GTO & has earlier launched Chandrayaan-3.
• This is the 5th operational flight of LVM3.
Strategic + Naval Significance
• Enhances Indian Navy communication network + maritime domain awareness.
• Provides seamless coverage across Indian landmass + wide oceanic regions.
• Supports secure defence-grade digital links for network-centric warfare.
• Also supports civilian digital connectivity in remote regions.
Stakeholders
• ISRO, Indian Navy, MoD, PMO, strategic communication directorates.
Political / Policy Signal
• PM called the mission proof of India’s “excellence & innovation.”
• In line with India’s Space Sector reforms, private capacity + heavier payload push.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• GTO = elliptical intermediate orbit used before placing payload into GEO (35,786 km).
• LVM3 = 3-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle (2 S200 solid boosters + L110 liquid + C25 cryo stage).
• GSAT-7 series = defence communication satellites (GSAT-7: Navy, 7A: IAF).
• Transponder = device that receives a signal & re-transmits at different frequency.
Relevant Mains Points:
• India’s shift to strategic space power (Satcom + surveillance + ISR assets).
• Will aid network-enabled operations (NEO) & NAVIC-linked maritime command.
• Supports Atmanirbhar defence + “space as a force multiplier.”
Way Forward:
• Indigenous GEO HTS-class (High Throughput) satellites
• Integrated Satcom for tri-services
• Commercialisation of military-grade Satcom components