In a landmark achievement for India&rsquo;s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest home-built communication satellite, CMS‑03, aboard the LVM3‑M5 heavy-lift rocket, popularly known as &ldquo;Bahubali,&rdquo; from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
<h3 data-start="518" data-end="557">Key features of the CMS‑03 launch</h3>
<ul data-start="559" data-end="1238">
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="559" data-end="728">
Satellite weight: CMS‑03 weighs 4,410 kg, making it the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from India into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="729" data-end="910">
Launch vehicle: The LVM3‑M5 stands 43.5 metres tall and is equipped with two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25).
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="911" data-end="1005">
Mission record: This launch marks the fifth operational flight of the LVM3 series.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1006" data-end="1238">
Satellite capability: CMS‑03 is a multi-band communications satellite, covering C, extended-C, and Ku bands, intended to enhance telecommunication, broadcast, and strategic communications across India and surrounding oceans.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-start="1240" data-end="1263">Technical details</h3>
The LVM3, nicknamed &ldquo;Bahubali&rdquo; for its heavy-lift capability, can carry payloads of up to 4,000 kg to GTO and 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit. Its three-stage configuration, including solid strap-ons, a liquid core, and a cryogenic upper stage, enables precise satellite deployment and strong thrust at liftoff.
<h3 data-start="1584" data-end="1617">Significance of the mission</h3>
The CMS‑03 launch demonstrates ISRO&rsquo;s growing self-reliance in deploying heavier communication satellites using indigenous launch vehicles. Previously, India had relied on foreign services for heavy satellite deployment. This mission strengthens the country&rsquo;s satellite communications network, particularly for civil and strategic applications, and sets the stage for future heavy-lift missions.
With CMS‑03 now in orbit, ISRO continues to showcase its technological prowess and strategic capabilities, reinforcing India&rsquo;s position as a global space power.

ISRO launches CMS‑03 aboard ‘Bahubali’ rocket

India’s heaviest communication satellite CMS‑03 sent to GTO on LVM3‑M5 booster

ISRO launches CMS‑03 aboard ‘Bahubali’ rocket

India’s heaviest communication satellite CMS‑03 sent to GTO on LVM3‑M5 booster

November 2, 2025 | 19:45 IST