The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on November 2, 2025. The mission, using the powerful Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) rocket, is expected to significantly strengthen India’s maritime and digital communication network.
Weighing 4,410 kg, CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R , will be the largest communication satellite ever launched from Indian soil into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
LVM-3: India’s Most Powerful Launcher
The LVM3-M5 mission marks the fifth operational flight of ISRO’s most powerful launcher, often referred to as the “Baahubali” rocket. The same vehicle successfully carried the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft to the Moon in 2023, earning global recognition for India’s space program.
The integrated LVM-3 rocket with the CMS-03 spacecraft has already been moved to the launch pad for final checks and countdown procedures.
CMS-03: Strengthening Maritime and Strategic Communications
The CMS-03 satellite will replace the aging GSAT-7 (Rukmini) and play a crucial role in meeting India’s defense and civilian communication needs.
- Maritime focus: The satellite has been developed to support the Indian Navy, providing enhanced bandwidth and secure communication links for voice, data, and video across wide oceanic zones.
- Strategic advantage: It will improve naval command and control, boost maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region, and enhance India’s network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Technical payload: Equipped with advanced transponders operating in C, Extended C, and Ku bands, CMS-03 will strengthen India’s digital and telecommunication infrastructure, extending connectivity to remote regions.
How to Watch the Launch
The LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission will lift off from Sriharikota on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
ISRO will stream the event live on its official YouTube channel, and registered visitors can watch the launch from the Launch Viewing Gallery at the Space Theme Park, Sriharikota.
This mission underlines ISRO’s growing capability to deploy heavy communication satellites, reinforcing India’s progress in space-based defense and strategic communication technologies.
