The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its heaviest satellite to date, the Communications Satellite-03 (CMS-03), also known as GSAT-7R, weighing 4,410 kg.
The launch took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using the advanced Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-M5), often referred to as ‘Bahubali’. The designation M5 indicates the fifth operational mission of the LVM3.
The LVM3, with a lift-off mass of approximately 642 tonnes and a height of 43.5 meters, precisely injected CMS-03 into an interim transfer orbit at an altitude of 179 km. The satellite will subsequently manoeuvre into its final geostationary orbit at approximately 36,000 km above Earth.
The LVM3 is a three-stage launch vehicle comprising:
• S200 Solid Boosters (First Stage): Two solid rocket boosters, each carrying 200 tonnes of propellant, providing the initial thrust for liftoff.
• L110 Liquid Core Stage (Second Stage): A liquid-fueled stage powered by two Vikas engines with a propellant capacity of 110 tonnes.
• C25 Cryogenic Upper Stage (Third Stage): An indigenously developed cryogenic stage powered by the CE-20 engine, using liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX), with a propellant load of 25 tonnes.
The payload, CMS-03, housed in a protective fairing, was then jettisoned during ascent.
CMS-03 is a multi-band communications satellite operating across C, extended C, and Ku bands, designed to enhance broadcasting and strategic military communications, particularly for the Indian Navy.
It replaces the aging GSAT-7 (Rukmini), launched in 2013, and provides secure, encrypted, high-bandwidth voice, video, and data links over the Indian landmass and the Indian Ocean Region. This capability strengthens maritime domain awareness and supports extended operational reach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO on this achievement, stating in a post on X: "Congratulations ISRO on the successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03. Powered by our space scientists, it is commendable how our space sector has become synonymous with excellence and innovation. Their successes have furthered national progress and empowered countless lives."
The CMS-03 mission marks a historic achievement as the first time ISRO has launched a communications satellite exceeding 4,000 kg from Indian soil. The LVM3, previously utilized for the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the lunar south pole, underscores India’s growing prowess in heavy-lift launch capabilities.
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