Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 2: In a landmark achievement for India’s space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kilograms, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket—popularly known as ‘Bahubali’—from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The launch took place at precisely 5:26 pm, marking another major stride in India’s march towards self-reliance in space technology. The mission placed the CMS-03 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), further strengthening India’s communication infrastructure and demonstrating the capability of its indigenous heavy-lift launch vehicle.
A record-breaking launch
The LVM3-M5 rocket, standing 43.5 metres tall, successfully carried the 4.4-tonne satellite to orbit—making it the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil. Until now, India’s heavier communication satellites were sent into orbit using foreign launch vehicles, primarily through France-based Arianespace from its spaceport in French Guiana.
In a post on social media, ISRO announced, “Launch Day for LVM3-M5. India’s heavy-lift rocket will launch CMS-03 today at 17:26 hrs.” The 24-hour countdown began on Saturday, with mission control reporting smooth progress throughout.
Significance of CMS-03
According to ISRO, CMS-03 is designed to provide a range of telecommunication services over the Indian landmass and adjoining oceanic regions. The satellite is expected to enhance broadband, television broadcasting, and secure communication networks across the country, especially benefiting remote and rural regions.
While ISRO has not officially commented on the satellite’s strategic or defence-related applications, reports suggest that CMS-03 could also support surveillance and secure communication capabilities for the armed forces.
An ISRO spokesperson stated, “CMS-03 will significantly strengthen India’s telecommunication and broadcasting network, providing enhanced coverage and reliability. This mission also underscores India’s growing ability to design, build, and launch heavy-class satellites indigenously.”
The power of ‘Bahubali’
The LVM3—formerly known as the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III)—is a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle comprising two large solid rocket boosters (S200), a liquid-fuelled core stage (L110), and an upper cryogenic stage (C25). The rocket can launch up to 4,000 kg payloads to GTO and 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Dubbed the ‘Bahubali’ rocket for its massive lifting capability, the LVM3 has previously carried out some of ISRO’s most prestigious missions, including Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to achieve a successful soft landing near the lunar South Pole in 2023. It was also used in 2022 to deploy 72 OneWeb satellites to low Earth orbit amid limited global launch options during the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
A step towards Space self-reliance
The successful CMS-03 mission marks another step forward in ISRO’s vision for self-sufficiency in satellite launches, reducing dependence on foreign launch providers. The mission demonstrates India’s capability to launch and operate complex, high-mass payloads using fully indigenous technology.
Experts say this achievement positions India more competitively in the global commercial satellite launch market.
As India continues to expand its space programme—from lunar and planetary exploration to advanced communication systems—the launch of CMS-03 aboard ‘Bahubali’ reinforces its growing stature as a formidable spacefaring nation.