Overview
- The 43.5‑metre LVM3‑M5 lifted off from Sriharikota at 5:26 pm IST on Nov 2 and precisely injected CMS‑03 into the planned geosynchronous transfer orbit after roughly 16–20 minutes.
- CMS‑03 (GSAT‑7R) is a multiband communications spacecraft for the Indian Navy, designed to strengthen secure links and maritime domain awareness across the Indian landmass and Indian Ocean region.
- Weighing about 4,410 kg, the satellite is the heaviest communication payload launched to GTO from Indian soil and separated cleanly from the launch vehicle.
- ISRO reported a roughly 10% payload‑capacity boost on LVM3 and demonstrated a cryogenic upper‑stage reignition, achievements that reinforce India’s indigenous heavy‑lift capability and reduce reliance on foreign launchers.
- ISRO says CMS‑03 has a design life of about 15 years, with orbit‑raising maneuvers and on‑orbit testing to follow before integration into the Navy’s communications network.