India’s space agency ISRO is all set to create history with the launch of its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, weighing approximately 4,410 kilograms, on Sunday, November 2. The satellite will be launched aboard the powerful LVM3-M5 rocket, popularly known as “Bahubali”, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 5:26 pm.
According to ISRO, CMS-03 will be the heaviest satellite ever launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil — a major technological milestone for the Bengaluru-based space agency.
Standing 43.5 metres tall, the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) has been fully integrated with the CMS-03 satellite and moved to the second launch pad for final checks. Known for its heavy-lift capacity, the “Bahubali” rocket can carry payloads of up to 4,000 kilograms, making it ISRO’s most powerful operational launcher.
The CMS-03 mission aims to expand communication coverage over the entire Indian landmass and adjoining ocean regions, providing enhanced connectivity and multi-band communication services.
This launch marks another step in India’s growing space capability, reinforcing ISRO’s position as one of the world’s leading space agencies — combining precision, indigenous innovation, and cost efficiency in every mission.
