GSAT-7R Satellite (CMS-03)

Syllabus: Science & Technology (UPSC Prelims)
Source: The Hindu

Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the GSAT-7R (CMS-03) communication satellite in November 2025 aboard the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) from Sriharikota.

About GSAT-7R

What is it?
GSAT-7R, also known as CMS-03, is a next-generation military communication satellite developed by ISRO to replace the aging GSAT-7A. It provides secure, encrypted, and long-range communication for the Indian Navy, Air Force, and Army.

Developed by:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Aim

• To ensure reliable, real-time communication for naval, air defence, and strategic operations.
• To strengthen network-centric warfare capabilities and maritime domain awareness.
• To enhance command and control connectivity across wide oceanic and terrestrial areas.

Key Features

• Multi-Band Operation:
  Works across Ku, Ka, and UHF frequency bands to ensure redundancy and resilience against signal interference or jamming.
• Wide Coverage:
  Provides secure communication across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), extending to the eastern coast of Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Heaviest Indian Communication Satellite:
  Weighs around 4,400 kg, making it the largest ISRO-built satellite launched into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from India.
• Advanced Security:
  Equipped with anti-jamming, frequency hopping, and high-level encryption features for secure military communication.
• Launch Vehicle:
  Will be launched using LVM-3, India’s most powerful operational rocket — the same vehicle used for the Chandrayaan-3 mission (2023).

Significance

• Strengthens India’s strategic and defence communication network across the Indo-Pacific region.
• Enables jointness and interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force under theatre commands.
• Enhances maritime surveillance and real-time coordination for naval operations.
• Promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat in space-based defence systems, reducing reliance on foreign assets.

Conclusion

The GSAT-7R satellite marks a major advancement in India’s military communication capabilities. By integrating advanced encryption, multi-band coverage, and wide-area connectivity, it bolsters India’s strategic autonomy and strengthens the country’s role as a secure maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.