In a milestone for India’s space sector, the Indian Space and Research Station (Isro) launched its heaviest satellite onboard an Indian rocket, dubbed as ‘Bahubali’, at 5:26 pm on November 2, according to a News18 report.
Isro launched its CMS-03 communication satellite, weighing 4,410 kg, to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) onboard the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M5 rocket, known as ‘Bahubali’ for its heavylift capability.
This is the heaviest satellite to be launched from Indian soil and into a GTO, according to the space agency. This is also Isro’s heaviest satellite to be launched using a home-made rocket. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the launch, calling it a new stride in India’s space sector. “Congratulations Isro on the successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS03,” he said on X.
“Powered by our space scientists, it is commendable how our space sector has become synonymous with excellence and innovation. Their successes have furthered national progress and empowered countless lives,” he added.
In an earlier social media update, Isro said, “Launch Day for LVM3M5. India’s heavy-lift rocket (to) launch CMS03 today at 17.26 (5:26 pm) hrs.” The 24-hour countdown began on November 1. LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is the new heavy lift launch vehicle of Isro and is used for placing 4,000 kg spacecraft in the GTO in a cost-effective manner, the agency said. The Bengaluru-headquartered space agency has been utilising launch vehicles provided by France-headquartered Arianespace for launching over 4,000 kg heavy satellites from French Guiana. This would mark the heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil.
The mission objective for the latest launch is that the CMS-03 will provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass, according to Isro. Reports suggest that the satellite’s applications include military surveillance, although Isro has not commented on that matter. However, the CMS-03 satellite is expected to enhance India’s telecommunication capabilities, strengthen the country’s communication network, and play a crucial role in providing internet and broadcasting services to remote areas. The launch is significant not only on a technical level but also as a demonstration of India’s selfreliant space capabilities.
About LVM-3
LVM-3, previously known as Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (GSLV Mk 3), isa three-stage launch vehicle includes two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25), granting Isro complete self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites up to 4,000 kg in GTO and 8,000 in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The previous mission of the LVM-3 rocket was the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3, in which India became the first country to land successfully near the lunar South Pole in 2023. This rocket was used in 2022, amid the Russia-Ukraine war, to launch 72 OneWeb satellites in two launches to LEO, when global launch options were limited. Previously, Isro launched its heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-11, on December 5, 2018, from the Kourou launch base in French Guiana using the Ariane-5 VA-246 rocket. GSAT-11 weighs about 5,854 kg and remains the heaviest satellite built by Isro.