ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT-7R, Enhancing Indian Navy's Communication Capabilities
India's naval communication capabilities took a significant leap forward with the successful launch of the country's largest communication satellite, GSAT-7R (CMS03), by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The launch took place on Sunday at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The GSAT-7R, weighing 4,410 kg, was carried into space by the LVM3-M5 rocket, which marked the fifth operational mission for India's most powerful launch vehicle. A notable achievement of this mission was the successful in-orbit re-ignition of the cryogenic upper stage. Sixteen minutes post-launch, the satellite was accurately positioned into a sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (sub-GTO), reaching a perigee of 26,700 km.
The GSAT-7R is designed to replace its predecessor, GSAT-7 "Rukmini," which was launched in 2013. It will serve as a critical communications link for the Indian Navy, enhancing connectivity across the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
A Navy spokesperson highlighted that the satellite is equipped with several indigenous technologies tailored to meet its operational requirements, emphasizing that "GSAT-7R signifies our commitment to protect India's maritime interests using advanced, self-reliant technology."
The satellite's sophisticated payload is equipped with multi-band transponders capable of supporting voice, data, and video communications across UHF, S-band, C-band, and Ku-band frequencies. This will facilitate seamless and secure communication among ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operations Centres, greatly enhancing India's network-centric warfare capabilities.
M. Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre, noted that the satellite features a 1,200-litre propulsion tank and collapsible antenna systems for extended life and efficient deployment. He confirmed that "all systems are functioning normally, and the satellite is healthy."
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan praised the team's accomplishments, noting that the LVM3’s payload capacity was increased by 10% for this mission. He stated, "The satellite, designed for a 15-year operational life, incorporates several new technologies. Despite the challenging weather conditions, our team executed a flawless launch."
This mission not only strengthens India's defense communication infrastructure but also showcases ISRO's advancing capability to indigenously launch heavy satellites, marking another step towards strategic and technological self-reliance for the country.
