ISRO to launch its heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 on LVM3 ‘Bahubali’ rocket at 5:26 PM IST
ISRO is preparing to launch CMS-03, India’s heaviest communication satellite on LVM3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota. Scheduled for a 5:26 pm liftoff, the mission will place the satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit to boost India's communication capabilities.
CMS-03: India’s heaviest satellite launch from Indian soil
CMS-03 is stated to be the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from India, marking a major milestone in ISRO's capability to deploy large payloads by using homegrown rockets.
Similarly, past heavy satellites, like GSAT-11 (weighing 5,854 kg), had to be launched by foreign launch vehicles like Ariane-5 from French Guiana. But CMS-03 will be launched entirely from the Indian soil by India's own LVM3, reported PTI.
LVM3-M5 'Bahubali': India's heavy-lift workhorse
The satellite will ride on the LVM3-M5 rocket, which has been making waves with its name – known as ‘Bahubali’ for its ability to lift heavy payloads to 4,000 kg in GTO.
Major highlights of LVM3:
- Height: 43.5 metres
- Three-stage configuration:
- Solid boosters (S200)
- Liquid core stage (L110)
- Cryogenic upper stage (C25)
- Payload capacity: 4,000 kg to GTO
- 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit
LVM3 also stands for GSLV Mk III, which launched major missions to space from India, like Chandrayaan-3.
Launch schedule and mission objective
- The CMS-03 satellite will lift off on November 2 at 5:26 PM IST.
- The spacecraft will launch from the second launchpad at Sriharikota.
- The spacecraft integration with the launch vehicle has already been completed by ISRO.
CMS-03 is a multiband communication satellite designed to:
- Smooth India's communication network
- Support coverage across the Indian region and nearby oceanic areas
- Enhancing broadband, TV broadcasting and secure communication services
The ISRO has not declared the same, but reports do indicate various military applications.
Advanced systems powering the ISRO mission
- S200 Boosters
- Provide massive thrust during lift-off.
- Developed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- L110 Liquid Stage
- Powered by two Vikas engines, designed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
- C25 Cryogenic Stage delivers the high efficiency needed for GTO missions.
ISRO's heavy-lift journey goes on..
This is the fifth operational flight of LVM3. With CMS-03, ISRO reinforces its self-reliance in heavy satellite launches and strengthens India’s communication infrastructure. With the countdown progressing, all eyes are on Sriharikota as India readies to launch another crucial satellite into space.