New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the nation’s heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 this coming Sunday.

The CMS-03, also referred to as GSAT-7R, is a multi-band military communication satellite set to be deployed aboard the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), which is India's most robust rocket.

The launch is slated for November 2, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

According to ISRO, CMS-03 will provide services across a vast oceanic region, including the Indian landmass.

Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, CMS-03 will mark a significant milestone as the heaviest communication satellite launched into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian territory,” the organization stated.

The LVM3 is capable of lifting up to 4,000 kg into space, making it the heaviest launch vehicle in India.

This rocket has successfully conducted missions like Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first nation to achieve a successful landing near the lunar south pole.

The upcoming launch will be the fifth operational flight of the designated LVM3-M5.

ISRO confirmed that the launch vehicle has been fully assembled and integrated with the spacecraft, which was moved to the launch pad on October 26 for final pre-launch preparations.

The GSAT-7R, designed specifically for the Indian Navy, will take the place of the GSAT-7 Rukmini satellite launched back in 2013.

With enhanced payload capabilities, GSAT-7R aims to bolster secure, multi-band communications for the Navy, extending its operational reach across significant maritime domains.

The CMS-03's payload features transponders supporting voice, data, and video links over C, extended C, and Ku bands.

This satellite is expected to greatly enhance connectivity for the Navy while providing higher-capacity bandwidth to improve digital access in remote areas, benefiting both civilian agencies and strategic operations.

Recently, ISRO chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced plans for the launch of the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6 satellite before the year concludes.

"Blue Bird is a communication satellite. We have received the satellite, and preparations for the launch are ongoing,” Narayanan stated during a media briefing for ESTIC-2025.

“The exact launch date will be disclosed by the Prime Minister at an appropriate time,” he added, indicating a target for completion before the end of this year.

The Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, created by the US-based AST SpaceMobile, will also be launched aboard the LVM3 rocket from Sriharikota.