The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another landmark on Sunday, successfully launching the heaviest communication satellite ever built in India — CMS-03 — aboard the indigenously developed LVM3-M5 rocket, popularly known as “Bahubali.”
The lift-off took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 5:26 pm, marking a significant milestone in India’s space communication capabilities.
Experience #LVM3M5’s mission milestones. Watch the liftoff video and the onboard camera video capturing its ascent from launch to orbit. pic.twitter.com/1jp2G9TyYV
— ISRO (@isro) November 2, 2025
“CMS-03 represents the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in space technology,” said ISRO chief V. Narayanan, expressing pride in the agency’s continued push for indigenous innovation.
The CMS-03 satellite, weighing around 4,400 kilograms, was successfully placed into orbit later in the day. It stands as India’s heaviest communication satellite to date, surpassing all previous payloads launched from Indian soil.
According to ISRO, the multi-band communication satellite will deliver services across the Indian mainland and vast ocean regions, ensuring robust connectivity for at least 15 years.
“The satellite includes a host of new technologies that will redefine India’s communication landscape,” Narayanan said.
Built for India’s Security and Maritime Strength
The Indian Navy confirmed that CMS-03 will enhance telecommunication coverage across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), playing a crucial role in maritime awareness and network-based operations.
Lt Gen Anil K. Bhatt (retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA), said the launch was a “game changer for India’s national security.”
“CMS-03 will provide advanced and secure communication channels essential for India’s maritime domain,” Bhatt stated.
The satellite features high-capacity transponders, wide frequency coverage, and advanced encryption, ensuring resilient and secure space-based communication networks for defense and disaster management.
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The LVM3-M5 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3, fifth mission) used for this launch was built entirely using indigenous technology, including the C25 cryogenic upper stage.
ISRO noted that the LVM3 series has maintained a 100% success rate since its first development flight — the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) in December 2014.
The rocket, nicknamed “Bahubali” for its immense lifting power, has been India’s most reliable heavy-lift vehicle for commercial and strategic payloads.
Why CMS-03 Matters for India’s Future
The CMS-03 mission aligns with India’s growing ambitions to expand communication infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign satellites, and enhance maritime and defense communication networks.
The successful deployment is expected to improve broadband, navigation, and surveillance capabilities across the country, cementing ISRO’s leadership in the global space industry.
