Satellite for armed forces to be launched next week, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• ISRO will launch the military communications satellite CMS-03 on November 2 from Sriharikota.
• The CMS-03 satellite, also known as GSAT-7R, will be launched via Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3).
• Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, CMS-03 will be the heaviest communication satellite launched from India into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• The LVM3 rocket is being deployed for the first time in over two years, since the Chandrayaan-3 mission in July 2023.

Detailed Insights:

• CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite designed to provide communication services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass.
• The satellite's launch aims to enhance the communication capabilities of the armed forces, providing secure and reliable channels for their operations.
• Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) is a highly elliptical orbit where satellites are placed before maneuvering into their final geostationary orbit.
• The LVM3 rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle, is capable of carrying heavy payloads into space, making it suitable for launching the CMS-03 satellite.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO): An elliptical orbit used to transfer a satellite to geostationary orbit.
• Multi-band Communication Satellite: A satellite that uses multiple frequency bands for communication.
• Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3): ISRO's heavy-lift launch vehicle used for launching heavy satellites.