Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Indian Navy’s GSAT-7R (CMS-03) communication satellite on November 2. This is the most advanced communication satellite thus far for the Indian Navy. The satellite will strengthen navy’s space-based communications and maritime domain awareness capabilities.

The indigenously designed and developed satellite would be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This satellite is India’s heaviest communication satellite till date, weighing approximately 4,400kg, and includes many indigenous state-of-the-art components developed specifically to meet the Indian Navy’s operational requirements.

GSAT-7R will provide robust telecommunication coverage across the Indian Ocean Region. Its payload includes transponders capable of supporting voice, data, and video links over multiple communication bands. This satellite will significantly enhance connectivity with high-capacity bandwidth, enabling seamless and secure communication links between ships, aircraft, submarines, and Maritime Operations Centres of the Indian Navy.