ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT-7R: Heaviest Naval Communication Satellite Set To Strengthen India's Maritime Capabilities

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday (2 November) successfully launched the Indian Navy’s most advanced communication satellite, GSAT-7R (CMS-03), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Weighing about 4,410 kg, GSAT-7R is India’s heaviest communication satellite to date.

Launched aboard the powerful LVM-3 rocket, nicknamed the ‘Bahubali’ of Indian launch vehicles, the mission represents a significant stride in advancing the Navy’s technological self-reliance under the government’s Aatmanirbharta initiative.

The indigenously designed and developed satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art multi-band transponders across C, extended C, and Ku bands.

It provides robust, secure, and high-capacity telecommunication coverage across the Indian Ocean Region, enabling seamless voice, data, and video connectivity among ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operations Centres.

Replacing the ageing GSAT-7 “Rukmini,” GSAT-7R offers enhanced bandwidth, stronger encryption, and broader coverage, making it a key node in the Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness grid.

The advanced satellite will support real-time coordination, improve situational awareness, and strengthen India’s ability to safeguard its maritime boundaries and strategic interests.

The Defence Ministry said GSAT-7R “represents the Indian Navy’s determination to protect the nation’s maritime interests through indigenous technological innovation.”

Following its predecessors GSAT-7 and GSAT-7A, the new satellite further reinforces India’s secure maritime communication infrastructure and positions the country among global leaders in naval space capabilities.

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