ISRO is preparing for the launch of its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, which weighs 4,410 kg. The launch is scheduled to take place on November 2 from the spaceport in Sriharikota.
The CMS-03 satellite is designed to deliver multi-band communication services throughout India and surrounding oceanic areas. As the heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil, it will be placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) using the LVM3-M5 rocket, known for its heavy-lift capability.
The launch vehicle, standing at 43.5 meters tall and affectionately dubbed “Bahubali,” has undergone full assembly and integration with the satellite. It has now been transferred to the second launch pad for final pre-launch preparations.
Set for liftoff at 5:26 PM, the LVM3 rocket represents a significant advancement for ISRO, enabling the cost-effective deployment of heavy payloads. This launch marks the fifth operational flight of the LVM3, previously referred to as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III.
The LVM3 rocket has the capacity to carry payloads of up to 4,000 kg to GTO and can support payloads of up to 8,000 kg for Low Earth Orbit. The three-stage rocket features two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25), providing ISRO with the capability to launch heavier communication satellites independently.
While there are claims regarding potential military applications for the satellite, ISRO has not made any official statements confirming these assertions. The CMS-03 mission aims to enhance communication services across a broad oceanic region as well as the Indian mainland.
Previously, ISRO launched its heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-11, in December 2018 from Kourou, French Guiana, using an Ariane-5 rocket. Weighing approximately 5,854 kg, GSAT-11 remains the largest satellite developed by ISRO.
The LVM3 rocket”s prior mission successfully deployed the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, marking India”s historic achievement as the first country to land near the lunar South Pole in 2023.
