Countdown Begins for Launch of ISRO’s Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun the 24-hour countdown for the launch of its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03 , scheduled for November 2, 2025 , from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota . The satellite, weighing about 4,410 kg , will be launched onboard the LVM3-M5 rocket, also known as “Bahubali” for its heavy-lift capability.

Mission Overview

• CMS-03 will be placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and is designed to provide multi-band communication services covering the Indian mainland and surrounding oceanic regions . This makes it a vital asset for both civilian and strategic communication needs, particularly for defense and maritime applications.
• The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) , previously known as GSLV Mk-III , is ISRO’s most powerful operational rocket. Standing 43.5 metres tall , it can lift 4,000 kg payloads to GTO and up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) . It is a three-stage vehicle equipped with two solid strap-on boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25)—all developed with indigenised technology .

Significance of LVM3 and Mission Objectives

• The LVM3-M5 marks the fifth operational flight of this rocket and underscores India’s growing self-reliance in heavy satellite launches . The vehicle’s reliability has been proven since its maiden flight in 2014, which carried the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE).
• This mission also strengthens ISRO’s preparedness for the upcoming Gaganyaan programme , where a Human Rated LVM3 (HRLV) will serve as the crew launch vehicle.

Strategic and Scientific Importance

• CMS-03 will enhance India’s communication infrastructure , support defense communications , and extend connectivity to remote and maritime regions . The mission highlights ISRO’s ability to deploy large satellites from Indian soil, reducing dependence on foreign launch services such as Ariane-5 , which earlier launched ISRO’s GSAT-11 (5,854 kg) from French Guiana in 2018.

Exam Pointers

• Satellite: CMS-03 (communication satellite)

• Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M5 ( Bahubali )

• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

• Date: November 2, 2025

• Weight: 4,410 kg (heaviest launched from Indian soil)

• Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

• Stages: S200 (solid), L110 (liquid), C25 (cryogenic)

• Future Use: Human Rated LVM3 for Gaganyaan Mission