The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated a 24-hour countdown for the launch of its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, scheduled for November 2, 2025. The satellite, which weighs approximately 4,410 kilograms, will be the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian territory into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The launch will utilize the LVM3-M5 rocket, affectionately referred to as “Bahubali” due to its heavy-lift capabilities. As of November 1, 2025, the rocket has been fully assembled and integrated with the CMS-03 satellite, and it has been moved to the second launch pad for pre-launch operations at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
In a social media update, ISRO confirmed, “Countdown commences!! Final preparations complete and the countdown for LVM3-M5 (mission) has officially begun at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.” The agency added, “All systems are GO as we move closer to liftoff.”
The LVM3 rocket, standing at 43.5 meters tall, is set to lift off at 5:26 PM on November 2. This launch vehicle is designed to deploy satellites weighing up to 4,000 kilograms into GTO in a cost-effective manner. It features a three-stage configuration, which includes two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25). This design allows ISRO to achieve self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites.
Notably, the LVM3 rocket, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MkIII, has a proven track record of successful launches since its first development flight in December 2014. The LVM3-M5 mission marks its fifth operational flight. Developed using entirely indigenous technologies, the LVM3 includes advanced components such as the C25 cryogenic stage.
The CMS-03 satellite aims to enhance communication services across a vast oceanic region, including the Indian landmass. Previously, ISRO launched its heaviest satellite, the GSAT-11, which weighed about 5,854 kilograms, from the Kourou launch base in French Guiana using an Ariane-5 rocket in December 2018.
The LVM3 rocket”s capabilities extend beyond GTO; it can also carry payloads of up to 8,000 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The S200 solid rocket boosters, developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, provide the necessary thrust for liftoff. The L110 liquid stage is powered by two Vikas engines designed and developed at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
ISRO”s previous successful mission involving the LVM3 rocket was the Chandrayaan-3 mission, during which India made history by landing near the lunar South Pole in 2023.
