Isro to give Navy big boost in sea communication with new satellite launch on Nov 2 | India News
NEW DELHI: Isro is set to hugely boost Indian Navy’s satellite-linked communication network by launching Gsat-7R (codeword CMS-03) from Sriharikota on Nov 2. Gsat-7R, being considered the heaviest-ever communication satellite to be launched from Indian soil, will replace the aging satellite Gsat-7 (Rukmini), which is the backbone of naval communications on high seas at present, reports Surendra Singh. ‘Rukmini’ has enabled secure real-time links between warships, submarines, aircraft and shore-based command centres across the Indian Ocean. With upgraded payloads, Gsat-7R or CMS-03 is designed to expand secure, multi-band communications for the Navy’s growing blue-water operations. Multi-band frequencies – UHF, S, C and Ku bands – will help transmit voice, video and data between warships, submarines and naval aircraft. The enhanced coverage will boost manifold India’s network-centric warfare capabilities and extend the Navy’s operational reach across critical maritime domains. CMS-03 will provide real-time communication for naval operations, air defence and strategic command control across a wide oceanic and terrestrial region. India’s LVM3 rocket, which launched Chandrayaan-3 mission, will be used to launch CMS-03. “CMS-03 is a multiband communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass,” Isro said. Though Cyclone Montha has hit the Andhra Pradesh coast, a change in its direction has ensured that Isro’s satellite mission remains on schedule. Isro usually prefers launching heavier satellites from European spaceport. This is the first time it will launch a 4.4-tonne satellite from Indian soil.
