ISRO Launches CMS-03, Boosting India's Space Tech Industry

• ISRO launched the Indian Navy’s GSAT-7R (CMS-03) communication satellite from Sriharikota
• The multi-band satellite enhances naval communication and maritime domain awareness
• Launched aboard the LVM3 rocket, also used for Chandrayaan-3

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed the successful launch of the Indian Navy’s GSAT-7R (CMS-03) communication satellite, thus contributing to the growth of India’s space and defence capabilities.

The manufactured satellite, that weighs about 4,400 kg, is the heaviest communication satellite India has ever made. The launch was conducted at 5:26 pm from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The Indian Navy's GSAT-7R will have an enormous impact on the navy’s communication network via satellite and the awareness of the maritime domain, thereby furthering the coordination of the navy's operations in the vast oceanic areas.

The Indian Navy said, "This satellite is India's heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing approximately more than 4,400 kg, and includes many indigenous state-of-the-art components developed specifically to meet the Indian Navy's operational requirements".

Besides, the satellite is manufactured with advanced, domestically produced components and is capable of serving the Navy's entire range of strategic and communication needs. It is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide dependable coverage over the Indian landmass and adjacent ocean areas.

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The satellite was launched using LVM3, a rocket known for launching the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon's South Pole. This was the fifth operational flight of LVM3.

In a statement, ISRO stated, "MS-03, weighing about 4400kg, will be the heaviest communication satellite to be launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil. The previous mission of LVM3 launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, in which India became the first country to land successfully near the lunar south pole".

This launch vehicle is a 43.5m tall rocket that weighs 642 tonnes at liftoff. The launch vehicle has three propellant stages to place payload into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

At this stage in the flight, ISRO CMS-03 separates from the launch vehicle at 179km in altitude with a speed of about 10 km per second, adding another accomplishment to ISRO's record of success.

The ISRO CMS-03 marks a milestone in India satellite launch history, showcasing a powerful communication satellite that reflects the growth of the space industry, advancement in Indian space technology, and continued ISRO innovation.