Space ISRO launches GSAT-7R, India’s heaviest communication satellite The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT-7R (CMS-03), an advanced communication satellite for the Indian Navy, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 02.10.2025. The mission used the LVM3-M5, India’s most powerful launch vehicle. GSAT-7R is India’s heaviest indigenously built communication satellite, weighing approximately 4,400 kg. The LVM3 rocket demonstrated its capacity to routinely launch four-tonne-plus satellites to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The satellite features state-of-the-art indigenous components and advanced payloads supporting voice, data, and video links. The mission marks a major achievement in India’s self-reliance in space technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This success directly contributes to ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme, India’s upcoming human spaceflight mission, which will use an evolved variant of LVM3. Strategic Significance The satellite will enhance secure telecommunication coverage for the Indian Navy across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It ensures seamless connectivity between ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operations Centres. GSAT-7R will strengthen the Navy’s maritime domain awareness and strategic communication capabilities.
