Excitement is palpable as the countdown for the launch of CMS-03, India”s heaviest communication satellite weighing over 4,000 kg, has officially commenced. This significant mission, which will take place aboard the powerful LVM3-M5 rocket, represents a crucial advancement in communication services across the Indian subcontinent and vast oceanic regions.
The 24-hour countdown began at the spaceport on Saturday, as confirmed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). At approximately 4,410 kg, CMS-03 is set to be the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian territory into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The spacecraft is being launched via the LVM3-M5 rocket, known as “Bahubali” for its remarkable heavy-lift capabilities.
ISRO reported that the launch vehicle, which has been fully assembled and integrated with the satellite, has been moved to the second launch pad for pre-launch operations. In a social media update, ISRO stated, “Countdown commences!! Final preparations complete and the countdown for LVM3-M5 mission has officially begun at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. All systems are GO as we move closer to liftoff.” The liftoff is scheduled for 5:26 PM on November 2.
The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is ISRO”s latest heavy lift launch vehicle, designed to place spacecraft weighing up to 4,000 kg into GTO in a cost-effective manner. This three-stage vehicle features two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25), enabling ISRO to achieve self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites.
According to ISRO, the LVM3-M5 marks the fifth operational flight of the vehicle, which was developed using entirely indigenous technologies, including the C25 cryogenic stage. The vehicle has a proven track record, having successfully completed all launches since its first development flight, the LVM-3 Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) in December 2014.
Notably, the LVM3 rocket is intended to be used for ISRO”s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, with a human-rated version designated as HRLV. 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, weighing about 5,854 kg, remains the heaviest satellite developed by ISRO.
The primary objective of the CMS-03 mission is to provide multi-band communication services across a wide oceanic area, including the Indian landmass. The LVM3 rocket can carry payloads of 4,000 kg to GTO and 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit, utilizing its powerful cryogenic stage. The two S200 solid rocket boosters, developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, supply the necessary thrust for liftoff. The third stage, L110, is powered by two Vikas engines designed and developed at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
The last mission of the LVM-3 rocket was the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking India”s achievement in becoming the first nation to land near the lunar South Pole in 2023.
