Why in news?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch the CMS‑03 communication satellite (also known as GSAT‑7R) on 2 November 2025. Carried by the LVM‑3 heavy‑lift rocket from Sriharikota, the 4.4‑tonne spacecraft will be India’s heaviest communication satellite to date and is designed to enhance connectivity over the Indian Ocean and coastal regions.
Background
CMS‑03 belongs to the GSAT series of communication satellites that provide secure voice, data and video links for civil and strategic users. It carries multi‑band transponders operating in C‑band, extended C‑band and Ku‑band. These transponders relay signals between ground stations and ships or aircraft, ensuring reliable communication across vast oceanic areas.
Key features
- Heavy payload: Weighing about 4,400 kilograms, CMS‑03 is the heaviest communication satellite ever built by ISRO. The Launch Vehicle Mark‑3 (LVM‑3) is capable of placing such a payload into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
- Wide coverage: The satellite will provide high‑bandwidth connectivity over the Indian mainland and adjoining sea lanes, supporting maritime security, disaster communication and broadband services for ships and coastal communities.
- Improved bandwidth: Multi‑band transponders will enable simultaneous transmission of voice, data and video signals, improving both the clarity and capacity of communications compared with earlier satellites.
- Support for defence forces: CMS‑03 is expected to strengthen naval communications, allowing the Indian Navy to coordinate ships, submarines and aircraft over long distances.
What is a geosynchronous orbit?
A geosynchronous orbit is a high, prograde (in the same direction as Earth’s rotation) orbit in which a satellite takes exactly one sidereal day to complete a revolution. Because the satellite’s orbital period matches Earth’s rotation, it appears to hover over a fixed longitude. This makes it ideal for communications satellites that need to maintain constant contact with ground antennas.
Significance
- By increasing bandwidth and coverage, CMS‑03 will improve internet and telephone services for shipping, fishing communities and offshore installations, enhancing safety and productivity.
- The launch demonstrates the LVM‑3’s capability to carry heavy payloads, paving the way for future interplanetary and commercial missions.
- Better communication links will support India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region, including search‑and‑rescue operations and real‑time monitoring of maritime activities.
Conclusion
Civilian and defence users alike will benefit from the enhanced connectivity offered by CMS‑03. The mission underscores India’s growing expertise in space technology and its commitment to securing the blue economy through reliable communication infrastructure.
Source: India Today Science