Eye in the Sky

By R Anil Kumar

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch two major military observation satellites by the end of this year- the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS) and GSAT-7R. The GSAT-7R will replace the currently used GSAT-7 (Rukmini) for military communication. It will be a big boost for the Navy

• ISRO To Launch Two Spy Satellites for The Indian Navy Which Will Replace TDS & Rukmini Satellites

Bengaluru. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is actively preparing to launch two significant military surveillance satellites by the end of 2025: the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS) and the GSAT-7R satellite.

The GSAT-7R is a dedicated military communication satellite intended specifically for the Indian Navy, designed to replace the existing GSAT-7 satellite, also known as Rukmini.

The GSAT-7, launched in 2013, has been providing multi-band communication capabilities vital for naval operations, including secure real-time networking among warships, submarines, aircraft, and shore-based systems across a wide geographical area—primarily the Indian Ocean region.

GSAT-7R is envisioned to be a more advanced successor with enhanced capabilities to meet the growing communication needs of the Indian Navy and is expected to weigh approximately 2,650 kg and operate in geostationary orbit.

Its projected cost is around ₹1,589 crores (approximately US$225.5 million). The launch of GSAT-7R is planned using ISRO’s GSLV MK-II launch vehicle, aiming to provide robust communication support for the Navy’s expanding blue-water operations.

Alongside GSAT-7R, ISRO is developing and planning to launch the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS), which is part of ISRO’s efforts to advance its technological capabilities and support indigenous innovations in satellite technology.

While specific technical details about TDS are less publicized, it signifies an ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of India’s space technology development.

This year, ISRO’s ambitious roadmap includes not only these satellite launches but also plans to develop a next-generation rocket towering as tall as a 40-storey building.

This new rocket aims to lift payloads as heavy as 75,000 kg into low Earth orbit, underscoring a major milestone in India’s space launch vehicle capabilities. These advancements signify India’s growing space ambitions in defence, scientific, and commercial sectors.

The replacement of GSAT-7 by GSAT-7R aligns with the Indian Navy’s strategic objectives to enhance communication reliability, extend operational reach, and ensure secure, multi-band communication capabilities independent of foreign satellites.

GSAT-7R is designed to augment naval network-centric warfare by providing a wide coverage area with advanced communication payloads, ensuring seamless connectivity for naval assets during critical operations.

ISRO’s initiatives also reflect the broader expansion of India’s satellite portfolio, currently maintaining about 55 satellites in orbit, with expectations to triple this number within the next three to four years.

This rapid growth illustrates both the deepening reliance on space technology for national security and the growing stature of India as a space-faring nation.

The launches of the Technology Demonstration Satellite and GSAT-7R for the Indian Navy by the end of 2025 mark significant milestones.

They reinforce ISRO’s role in enhancing India’s strategic defence capabilities through indigenous satellite technology, while simultaneously pushing the envelope in space launch vehicle development and satellite deployment capacity.

These efforts collectively signify a leap forward for India’s space and defence sectors this year and beyond.

ISRO Working On 40-Storey-Tall Rocket to Launch 75,000 Kg Satellite

India currently has 55 satellites in orbit and the number is going to be increased to three times in another three to four years, said ISRO Chairman V Narayanan.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is currently working on developing a rocket that is as tall as a 40-storey building, designed to launch an unprecedented 75,000 kg (75-ton) satellite into low Earth orbit.

This ambitious project was announced by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan.

He highlighted that this new rocket represents a giant leap from the rocket capabilities of the past, citing the first launcher developed under Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, which had a lift-off mass of 17 tons and could place just 35 kg into orbit.

In contrast, the envisioned rocket will be able to place 75,000 kg into orbit, reflecting major advancements in India’s space launch capabilities.

For 2025, ISRO has a robust line-up of projects including the launch of a new NAVIC satellite—a part of India’s autonomous regional navigation system aimed at providing accurate positioning services both for civilian and strategic uses.

ISRO is also developing the N1 rocket and is planning to place a 6,500 kg US communication satellite into orbit using Indian launch vehicles.

Additionally, ISRO intends to launch the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS) and GSAT-7R, an Indian military communication satellite designed specifically for the Indian Navy to replace the existing GSAT-7 (Rukmini) satellite. GSAT-7R is expected to enhance naval communication capabilities considerably.

Currently, India has 55 satellites in orbit, but this number is expected to triple within the next three to four years, rising to around 165 satellites to meet the growing demand for satellite-based services. This dramatic increase underscores India’s expanding presence and capabilities in space technology and satellite applications, including communication, navigation, and military purposes.

ISRO Chairman Narayanan is also steering efforts toward building India’s own space station by 2035, with the first module planned for launch in 2028, signalling a long-term vision for India’s comprehensive space infrastructure.

Overall, these developments reflect ISRO’s ongoing drive to push technological boundaries and expand India’s footprint as a major spacefaring nation.

To sum up: ISRO is working on a cutting-edge, 40-storey-tall rocket capable of launching a 75,000 kg satellite into low Earth orbit, aiming to triple India’s satellite count from 55 to about 165 in the coming years, and is advancing several key projects including NAVIC satellites, the N1 rocket, and military communication satellites like GSAT-7R, marking a significant leap in India’s space capabilities and ambitions.