In a landmark achievement that solidifies India’s position among global spacefaring nations, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on November 2. The mission, dubbed a “monumental achievement” by space experts, marks another milestone in India’s journey toward space self-reliance.
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ISRO Mission Overview: Breaking Records
| Mission Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Launch Vehicle | LVM3-M5 (‘Bahubali’) |
| Satellite | CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) |
| Weight | 4,410 kg |
| Launch Time | 5:26 PM IST, November 2, 2025 |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota |
| Target Orbit | Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) |
| Service Life | 15 years |
| Primary User | Indian Navy |
What Makes This Launch Historic?
CMS-03 is the first satellite weighing over 4,000 kg to be launched into a distant geosynchronous transfer orbit from Indian soil, ending India’s reliance on foreign launch services for its heavier satellites. The successful deployment demonstrates ISRO’s indigenous heavy-lift capabilities and strategic autonomy in space operations.
The ‘Bahubali’ Rocket: India’s Heavy-Lift Champion
The 143-foot-tall (43.5-meter-tall) LVM3 is India’s most powerful rocket, earning its ‘Bahubali’ nickname for good reason. The three-stage launch vehicle consists of two solid propellant S200 strap-ons and core stages comprising L110 liquid stage, C25 cryogenic stage, the equipment bay (EB) and the Encapsulated assembly (EA).
The 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. About 16 minutes after liftoff, CMS-03 was successfully deployed into its intended orbit—a textbook mission execution.
Previous Achievements
The previous mission of LVM3 launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, wherein India became the first country to land successfully near the lunar south pole. This historic achievement in July 2023 showcased the rocket’s reliability and precision, building confidence for Sunday’s critical communication satellite deployment.
CMS-03: Strengthening India’s Maritime Communications
CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass. Developed specifically for the Indian Navy, the satellite’s payload includes transponders capable of supporting voice, data, and video links over multiple communication bands.
The advanced satellite will operate in UHF, S, C, and Ku bands, enabling secure communication links between ships, aircraft, submarines, and Maritime Operations Centres. The satellite is designed for providing communication services for at least 15 years, significantly enhancing India’s maritime security infrastructure.
For more insights on ISRO’s achievements, explore our comprehensive space technology coverage and latest ISRO mission updates.
Expert Reactions: A Defining Moment
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, stating the successful launch “powerfully demonstrates our sovereign capability in launching heavy-payload satellites for strategic applications”.
ISRO Chief V Narayanan congratulated the team on the successful launch despite challenging weather, while Union Minister Jitendra Singh celebrated the achievement on social media, declaring “India’s Bahubali scales the skies!”
The Road Ahead: India’s Ambitious Space Vision
ISRO’s successful missions continue building momentum toward India’s ambitious space goals by 2035, including an indigenous space station and human spaceflight capabilities through the Gaganyaan program. The organization is also developing Chandrayaan-4 and planning Venus missions, demonstrating its expanding role in global space exploration.
With growing private sector participation and proven heavy-lift capabilities, India is positioned to become a major player in commercial satellite launches and strategic space applications. For official updates on upcoming missions, visit ISRO’s website.
Stay updated with the latest space news and technology breakthroughs on our science and technology section.
FAQs
Q1: What makes CMS-03 India’s heaviest communication satellite?
CMS-03 weighs approximately 4,410 kg, making it the heaviest communication satellite ever launched to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil. Previously, ISRO had to rely on foreign launch services for satellites exceeding 4,000 kg, but the LVM3-M5 ‘Bahubali’ rocket’s successful deployment demonstrates India’s indigenous capability to launch heavy payloads without external assistance.
Q2: How will the CMS-03 satellite benefit India’s defense capabilities?
Developed specifically for the Indian Navy, CMS-03 operates on multiple communication bands (UHF, S, C, and Ku) to provide secure voice, data, and video links across the Indian Ocean region. It will enable seamless connectivity between ships, aircraft, submarines, and Maritime Operations Centres, significantly enhancing maritime surveillance, coordination, and national security operations for at least 15 years.
