New Delhi: Yesterday, ISRO launched the LVM3-M5 mission, successfully delivering the CMS-03 communications satellite for the Indian Navy to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The capacity of the mightiest rocket in ISRO’s operational fleet was upgraded by 10 per cent for the flight, to carry the heaviest communications satellite ever injected into GTO from Indian soil. The satellite contains a suite of sophisticated payloads allowing for secure communications between the vessels, aircraft, submarines and Mission Operation Centres of the Indian Navy. Over the next five days, the satellite will be gradually raised to its intended orbit, after which it will deploy its solar panels. The satellite is currently being powered by a single panel that is facing the Sun.
Following the successful deployment of the satellite, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said, “The CMS-03 satellite is a multiband communications satellite with coverage over a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass, and is designed for providing communications services for at least 15 years. The satellite incorporates a host of new technologies, and is yet another shining example of aatmanirbhar Bharat. Let me congratulate the entire satellite team spread across various ISRO centres for realising this very important, improved, complex satellite for the communication capability of our country.”
Successful launch inspires Indian space startups
Yashas Karanam, Co-Founder and COO of Bellatrix Aerospace said, “Due to the recent geo-political developments in the space domain, having an autonomous presence in orbit becomes essential. The CMS-03 (aka GSAT-07R) is more than an upgrade to India’s defense communications fleet; it’s a structural reinforcement of our national space infrastructure. It marks India’s readiness for a future where secure, sovereign space connectivity becomes the foundation of strategic autonomy. Its focus on maritime and defense domains underscores how communication resilience now defines deterrence and operational awareness across the Indian Ocean Region. Each such mission pushes the boundaries of capability and confidence, paving the way for a self-reliant ecosystem that thrives on innovation across every layer, from launch to payload to propulsion. Milestones like these inspire companies like Bellatrix to keep advancing the technologies that power endurance, agility, and adaptability in orbit.”