Overview
- ISRO published onboard footage on November 4 showing the clean separation of the ~4,410 kg CMS-03 satellite after its November 2 launch from Sriharikota.
- CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) is the heaviest communication satellite placed into geosynchronous transfer orbit by an Indian rocket, highlighting LVM3’s heavy‑lift capability.
- The multi‑band payload (UHF, S, C and Ku) is intended to deliver secure voice, data and video links among ships, submarines, aircraft and maritime operations centres.
- The satellite is reported to have a 15‑year service life with coverage extending roughly 2,000 km from India’s coastline to support maritime awareness across the region.
- Editorial coverage notes ISRO-reported vehicle upgrades and an in‑orbit C25 cryogenic-stage test during the mission, developments that ISRO and the Navy plan to leverage as CMS-03 completes orbit‑raising and data integration via the IMAC-to-NMDA framework.