Sriharikota: In a historic moment, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, in what was a landmark leap for India’s independent satellite capabilities and maritime security.
The satellite, weighing 4410 kg, was launched from Sriharikota onboard a new generation, homegrown ‘Bahubali’ LVM3-M5 rocket at 5.26 pm IST.
Kudos Team #ISRO!
India’s #Bahubali scales the skies, with the successful launch of #LVM3M5 Mission!
“Bahubali” as it is being popularly referred, LVM3-M5 rocket is carrying the CMS-03 communication satellite, the heaviest ever to be launched from the Indian soil into a… pic.twitter.com/ccyIPUxpIX
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 2, 2025
The spacecraft separated from LVM3 in space just over 16 minutes after the launch, ISRO said.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the launch vehicle successfully injected the communication satellite into the desired Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The satellite is a replacement for the GSAT 7 series, launched in 2013.
Narayanan recalled that the rocket’s previous launch was the “most prestigious Chandrayaan 3, which brought pride to nation.”
On Sunday, it achieved “yet another pride” after succeeding with the “heavier satellite.”
All eight LVM 3 launches, including its experimental mission, have been successful, which gives it a 100 per cent success rate, reported PTI.
The satellite has been designed to provide communication services for at least 15 years, and is “yet another shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Narayanan, who is also Secretary, Department of Space.
ISRO scientists had a tough time with the mission since the weather was not cooperative, but they worked hard and ensured success, he said.
Before Sunday’s launch, ISRO had been utilising the services of Kourou launch base in French Guiana by Ariane rockets offered by France-based Arianespace for launching heavier satellites.
