ISRO successfully launches heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 aboard LVM3-M5

In a landmark achievement for India’s space programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday (November 2) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The mission, hailed by experts as a “monumental achievement,” once again underscored India’s growing capability to launch heavy-payload satellites for strategic and communication purposes, reports The News Mill.

Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), described the launch as a defining moment in India’s space journey.

“The successful launch of the CMS-03 satellite by the LVM3 rocket (Bahubali) is a monumental achievement for India, powerfully demonstrating our sovereign capability in launching heavy-payload satellites for strategic applications,” he said.

He added that the satellite would be a “game-changer” for maritime and national security, providing advanced, secure communication channels crucial for the Indian Ocean Region and mainland operations.

Bhatt also highlighted that the mission reflects the growing role of India’s private sector in developing and supporting national space assets. “The launch by ISRO signals a vibrant future for private sector participation and reinforces India’s position as a formidable space power,” he said.

The LVM3-M5 rocket, also known as the ‘Bahubali’ rocket, lifted off carrying the CMS-03 satellite and successfully placed it into its intended orbit, marking another flawless mission for India’s most powerful launch vehicle.

According to ISRO, CMS-03 — the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil — has been successfully delivered to its target orbit. “The satellite has been delivered to its intended orbit,” confirmed P. Madhuri, Deputy Project Director of the SSLV Launch Complex, following the successful separation of CMS-03 from the launch vehicle.

The LVM3-M5, formerly known as the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (GSLV Mk 3), uses a combination of solid, liquid, and cryogenic fuel engines to carry payloads of up to 8,000 kg to low-earth orbit and up to 4,000 kg to geosynchronous orbit.

The 43-metre-tall rocket’s flawless flight included the ignition of its S200 solid boosters, L110 liquid stage, and C25 cryogenic stage, reaching a velocity of 4.6 km per second before achieving orbit circularisation.

The successful launch of CMS-03 marks a new chapter in India’s pursuit of space self-reliance, further strengthening its position among the world’s leading spacefaring nations.