India’s eyes in space: ISRO launches its most powerful satellite using indigenous Bahubali rocket; What makes it special?
This mission will make India's space-based naval network completely self-reliant.
New Delhi: India(BHARAT)’s space power has once again stunned the world. On Sunday, 02 November 2025, ISRO successfully launched the India(BHARAT)n Navy’s state-of-the-art communications satellite, GSAT-7R (CMS-03). This mission is not just a technological achievement but also a step that will significantly enhance India(BHARAT)’s maritime power and surveillance capabilities in the India(BHARAT)n Ocean region.
Launched using Bahubali rocket
Weighing approximately 4,410 kilograms, this satellite is India(BHARAT)’s heaviest communications satellite to date. It was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using a Bahubali rocket, the LVM3-M5. This mission once again proved that India(BHARAT) is not only self-reliant but is also rapidly becoming a superpower in the field of space defence. Immediately after the launch, ISRO announced, “CMS-03 successfully separated. Mission successful.”
Why is this ISRO satellite special?
GSAT-7R has been developed using completely indigenous technology. It will connect naval ships, submarines, aircraft, and command centres in a secure, real-time network. This will enable India(BHARAT)n naval forces deployed anywhere in the ocean to receive information and orders quickly. Its transponders are capable of supporting voice, data, and video links in various bands. This will make naval operations more precise and effective than ever before.
The launch of GSAT-7R will not only enhance naval capabilities but also strengthen India(BHARAT)’s strategic position. Amidst the ever-growing Chinese naval influence in the India(BHARAT)n Ocean, this satellite will provide India(BHARAT) with real-time surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
According to experts, this mission will make India(BHARAT)’s space-based naval network completely self-reliant. In the future, it will also promote drone communications, submarine tracking, and maritime border monitoring.
PM Modi congratulates ISRO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO, writing, “India(BHARAT)’s space sector continues to make us proud.” The successful launch of CMS-03 is a testament to the ingenuity of our scientists and the progress of our country.
Heaviest satellite to be launched from India(BHARAT)n soil
According to ISRO, this will be the heaviest satellite to be launched from India(BHARAT)n soil and into a GTO. Also, this is ISRO’s heaviest satellite to be launched using a home-made rocket. ISRO had previously launched its heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-11, weighing about 5,854 kg, on December 5, 2018, from the Kourou launch base in French Guiana by the Ariane-5 VA-246 rocket.
The CMS-03 satellite will travel onboard the 43.5 metre tall LVM3-M5 rocket, dubbed as ‘Bahubali’ for its heavy-lift capability.
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