GSAT-7R ISRO Launch: India’s Heaviest Navy Satellite

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GSAT-7R ISRO Launch: A Milestone in India’s Space Journey

India has once again demonstrated its capabilities in the space sector. On November 2, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT-7R ISRO launch (CMS-03) satellite using the LVM3-M5 rocket. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota This satellite is crucial for the Indian Navy. It is the country’s heaviest communication satellite This success has strengthened India’s self-reliance Let’s learn more about this entire mission in detail.

Launch Details and Mission Highlights

ISRO conducted the launch at 5:26 PM Indian Standard Time from the second launch pad in Sriharikota The rocket soared into the sky, and 16 minutes later, the satellite separated, reaching the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) Preparations for the mission were completed by the end of October The team integrated the rocket, and the countdown proceeded smoothly ISRO Chairman V Narayanan tweeted, stating that ISRO had launched the heaviest GEO communication satellite from Indian soil The Indian space sector is reaching new heights, and this launch was the fifth operational mission of the LVM3. Previous missions included Chandrayaan-3 The weather was clear during the launch. Spectators watched live, and it was streamed on YouTube, viewed by millions. This event became a symbol of national pride.

About the LVM3-M5 Rocket — India’s “Bahubali” Launcher

The LVM3 is also known as ‘Bahubali’. It is ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle. It is 43.5 meters tall and weighs 640 tons. He has three stages: the first stage has two S200 solid motor strap-ons, the core stage is the L110, which runs on liquid propellant, and the upper stage is the C25 cryogenic stage. This rocket can launch satellites weighing more than 4 tons into GTO. It is capable of launching from India, eliminating the previous dependence on foreign rockets. Now, India is self-reliant. The LVM3 has completed several successful missions. It is also being prepared for Gaganyaan, and the rocket’s design was created by Indian engineers. The materials are strong. It is fuel-efficient. Integration on the launch pad was easy. This was Mission M5. ISRO prepared it at Sriharikota.

GSAT-7R Satellite Specifications and Design

GSAT-7R weighs 4,410 kg. It is India’s heaviest communication satellite. ISRO built it. The design is based on the I-4K Unified Modular Bus. Made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer, the satellite has multi-band payloads. The bands are: C, Extended C, Ku, UHF and S. It supports voice, data and video links. It has high-throughput transponders. Encryption is upgraded. It provides secure communication, and the coverage is over the Indian Ocean region. The Indian subcontinent is also covered. The lifespan is 15 years. The cost is Rs 1,589 crore. Funded by the Ministry of Defence. The contract was signed in June 2019. It is an upgrade of GSAT-7. GSAT-7 was launched in 2013. The satellite also has a Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM). It is used for orbit raising. Multiple firings occur from GTO to GEO. This takes 4-7 days. After that, commissioning is completed in 4-5 weeks.

Step-by-Step Mission Sequence of GSAT-7R ISRO launch

The countdown started before the launch. The rocket lifted off. The first stage separated. The second stage functioned. The cryogenic stage injected the satellite into GTO. Separation occurred after 16 minutes. Everything went according to plan and the satellite is now in orbit. LAM firing will begin. First firing at perigee. Apogee will increase. Then firing at apogee. The orbit will become circular. The ISRO team is monitoring it. The Navy will use it after commissioning.

This process is complex. But ISRO has the experience. Lessons were learned from previous missions. This success boosts confidence, along with the technological achievements, making this launch a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). ISRO manufactured all components indigenously. Heavy satellite launch capability has been proven. There is no need for foreign launchers, yet LVM3 will be used in Gaganyaan. Ready for human spaceflight. Dual-use technology developed. Both civilian and defense sectors will benefit. ISRO completed the mission on time. The teamwork was outstanding. The hard work of Indian engineers paid off.

Importance of GSAT-7R for the Indian Navy of GSAT-7R ISRO launch

GSAT-7R will become the backbone of the Navy. It will connect ships, submarines, aircraft, and command centers, providing real-time communication, increasing maritime domain awareness, and reducing dependence on foreign systems like Inmarsat. Network-centric warfare will be strengthened. Useful for blue-water operations. Coverage in the Indian Ocean region. Immediate response to threats is possible. The Navy will receive high-capacity links, making video conferencing easy and data transfer fast. This will enhance national security. India’s maritime interests will be protected, and future possibilities will open up. This launch will open new doors. The Navy’s capabilities will increase, space-based communication will be strengthened, and India will become stronger globally. ISRO will plan more missions, including Gaganyaan, which may come in 2026, with LVM3 playing a crucial role. The defense space sector will grow, and private companies will join in. India will advance in the space economy.