The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of the CMS-03 satellite, also referred to as GSAT-7R, scheduled for November aboard the LVM3 rocket. This launch forms part of an ambitious timeline that includes the deployment of a significant commercial satellite from the United States, underscoring India”s increasing stature in the global space landscape.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has confirmed the launch date and shared insights regarding forthcoming missions, including the Gaganyaan project and plans for India”s own space station. The upcoming activities signify a busy period for India as it enhances its capabilities in space exploration and technology.
In early November, the LVM3-M5 rocket will aim to position the CMS-03 satellite in orbit, with November 2 being the most probable date for liftoff. This satellite is expected to bolster India”s communication infrastructure. Narayanan noted that preparations for the satellite and the launch vehicle are progressing at the Sriharikota facility.
Following the CMS-03 launch, another significant mission is on the horizon. ISRO plans to launch the BlueBird-6 satellite, which weighs 6.5 tonnes, for a private company based in the United States. This satellite recently arrived in India and is among the heaviest commercial payloads ISRO has managed to date. Narayanan has confirmed that preparations for this satellite are in full swing, marking a noteworthy milestone for ISRO”s international commercial endeavors.
In addition to these missions, ISRO has reported that the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, launched earlier this year, is functioning as intended. The satellite is currently in the calibration phase and is expected to be fully operational within the next 10 to 15 days. Narayanan stated that the satellite is in good health, with both of its payloads working effectively.
Moreover, ISRO is advancing its Gaganyaan project, India”s inaugural human spaceflight initiative. According to Narayanan, 90 percent of the preparations for Gaganyaan are complete, with a target launch year of 2027. This mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space aboard an indigenous spacecraft.
ISRO is also making strides in expanding India”s NavIC navigation satellite system, with four satellites currently operational and three others under development. The objective is to finalize the constellation within the next 18 months. Narayanan provided updates on Chandrayaan-4, India”s next lunar exploration mission, which is presently in the design phase and aims to return lunar samples to Earth.
To date, India has successfully launched 433 satellites for 34 different countries, with approximately 95 of those launches occurring within the last decade, reflecting the rapid expansion of the sector. Narayanan emphasized that India”s space missions have transitioned from experimental projects to operational endeavors, entering a phase characterized by exponential growth.
