ISRO's Strategic Milestone: Launch of Military Communication Satellite CMS-03
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science & Technology (Space technology, Satellite types, Launch Vehicles - LVM3, Orbits - GTO); Defence.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T): "Awareness in the fields of Space"; "Achievements of Indians in science & technology"; "Indigenization of technology and developing new technology."
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): "Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate" (role of space assets in defence); "Security challenges and their management in border areas" (maritime security).
Key Highlights from the News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is launching a new military communications satellite.
This satellite, named CMS-03, is also known as GSAT-7R.
The launch is scheduled for November 2nd from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
India's most powerful launch vehicle, Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), is being used for this mission.
CMS-03 is a multi-band satellite. The Indian landmass and the vast oceanic region will come under its coverage.
Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, this satellite is the heaviest communications satellite to be launched from Indian soil into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
This is the first launch using the LVM3 rocket after the historic Chandrayaan-3 mission.
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