India’s ISRO Launches Heaviest Communication Satellite GSAT-7Ra

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on Sunday, November 2, 2025, by successfully launching the GSAT-7R communication satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This satellite, weighing approximately 4,410 kg, is now recorded as the heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil.

The Launch Details

The GSAT-7R satellite was launched aboard ISRO’s most potent launch vehicle, the LVM3, during its M5 mission. Liftoff occurred at approximately 5:26 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), and mission control promptly verified that the satellite had been successfully placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This launch reaffirms ISRO's capability to deploy large payloads into space reliably.

With this mission, ISRO targeted a standard GTO trajectory to accommodate the satellite's mass. Once the GSAT-7R reached its initial orbit, it will utilise its onboard propulsion systems to achieve a circular orbit at geostationary altitude.

Enhancing Naval Communications

The Indian Navy has outlined the pivotal role of the GSAT-7R, stating that it will significantly enhance communication capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region. Equipped with advanced indigenous components, the satellite incorporates transponders that support voice, data, and video communications through multiple frequency bands. This ensures seamless connectivity for the Navy's ships, submarines, aircraft, and Operational Centres.

“This successful launch highlights India’s growing self-reliance in space technology,” the Navy remarked. The satellite contributes to the strategic aim of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or Self-Reliant India, allowing the armed forces to maintain enhanced situational awareness in complex maritime operating environments.

A Step Towards Future Missions

The launch of GSAT-7R further validates the capabilities of the LVM3 rocket. This vehicle is now proven to routinely manage payloads exceeding four tonnes to GTO, diminishing reliance on foreign launch services for heavy communications satellites. The success of this launch feeds directly into ISRO's broader ambitions, including preparations for Gaganyaan, India's inaugural human spaceflight programme, which is expected to utilise an evolved variant of the LVM3 rocket.

Following the successful launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced on social media, “ISRO has successfully launched the heaviest GEO communication satellite from Indian soil. The Indian space sector is soaring high to provide valuable services to the user community in and around the Indian region.”

Historical Context

Prior to this launch, ISRO had relied on the Kourou launch base in French Guiana, employing Arianespace launches for payloads exceeding GSAT-7R's mass. For instance, the GSAT-11, which weighed 5,854 kg, was launched aboard an Ariane-5 rocket in December 2018. The LVM3 vehicle, in contrast, was engineered with 100% indigenous technology, marking a significant advancement in India's capabilities in space exploration and satellite deployment.

The GSAT-7R acts as a replacement for the GSAT-7 series, which was launched in 2013, and is expected to deliver services for at least 15 years. Despite challenges posed by adverse weather conditions during preparations, ISRO's team successfully navigated these issues, underscoring their dedication and expertise.

As ISRO continues to achieve notable successes, experts within the organisation and officials from the Indian government have increasingly recognised the advancements made. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended ISRO, acknowledging that “our space sector continues to make us proud,” highlighting the agency's role in national progress and innovation.

Conclusion

The launch of the GSAT-7R satellite marks a remarkable achievement for India’s space programme, signifying a crucial step in enhancing military communications and demonstrating the country’s growing capabilities in the realm of space exploration. With its consistent track record of successful launches, ISRO appears well-positioned to undertake ambitious projects in the near future.