National Current Affairs
LVM3-M5 Launch: ISRO Shoots Off India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite ‘GSAT-7R’
- 03 Nov 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
India’s space capabilities received a major upgrade on November 2, 2025, when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully deployed GSAT-7R, a next-generation communication satellite for the Indian Navy, using its LVM3-M5 heavy-lift rocket popularly known as ‘Bahubali’ from Sriharikota.
Key Points
About GSAT-7R
- Designed exclusively for the Indian Navy to modernize its maritime communication and command infrastructure.
- Fully indigenous, equipped with multi-band transponders to support voice, video, and data relay across surface, sub-surface, and aerial naval assets.
- Provides uninterrupted, encrypted connectivity across the entire Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Enhances real-time situational awareness, enabling joint coordination between ships, submarines, aircraft, and command centres.
- Acts as a force multiplier in India’s maritime domain awareness grid, ensuring secure and resilient communication during operations.
About the Launch Vehicle – LVM3-M5 (‘Bahubali’)
- India’s heaviest operational rocket, earlier known as GSLV Mk-III.
- Payload Capacity:
- Up to 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Configuration: A three-stage launch system comprising:
- S200 solid strap-on boosters for liftoff thrust.
- L110 liquid core stage powered by twin Vikas engines.
- C25 cryogenic upper stage — developed entirely in India.
- Serves as the baseline launcher for the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission, where its modified version is called Human-Rated LVM3 (HRLV).
- Nickname ‘Bahubali’ reflects its immense lifting strength and consistent reliability across missions.
Development Background
- The M5 mission is the fifth successful flight in the LVM3 series, continuing ISRO’s flawless streak with this vehicle.
- Follows earlier satellites like GSAT-7 (Rukmini) for the Navy and GSAT-7A for the Air Force, extending India’s defence communication capabilities
