The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on the cusp of another remarkable achievement with the upcoming launch of its LVM3-M5 rocket, affectionately nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ due to its formidable heavy-lift capacity. This state-of-the-art rocket is slated to carry the CMS-03 communication satellite into orbit. Notably, the CMS-03 satellite will be the heaviest ever to be launched from Indian soil, destined for a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The mission has been scheduled for liftoff on Sunday, November 2, at 5:26 PM IST. The Bengaluru-based space agency confirmed that the CMS-03 satellite weighs approximately 4,410 kg, making it the heaviest payload ISRO has ever propelled into a GTO from India.
The impressive 43.5-meter tall ‘Bahubali’ rocket has been meticulously positioned on the second launch pad at the spaceport, where it is undergoing final preparations for its crucial mission.
What is the LVM3 Rocket?
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) represents ISRO’s advanced heavy-lift launch vehicle, engineered to efficiently place spacecraft weighing up to 4,000 kg into GTO. This three-stage rocket features two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110) powered by two Vikas engines, and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). The LVM3, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MkIII, provides ISRO with complete self-reliance for launching heavy communication satellites.
The LVM3-M5 marks the fifth operational flight for this robust launch vehicle. With its powerful cryogenic stage, the rocket is capable of delivering payloads of 4,000 kg to GTO and up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
While ISRO had previously launched its heaviest satellite, GSAT-11 (5,854 kg), from French Guiana in 2018 using an Ariane 5 rocket, the CMS-03 will be the heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil. This launch underscores India’s rapidly advancing capabilities in indigenous launch vehicle development.
The S200 solid rocket boosters, which provide the primary thrust for liftoff, were developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. The L110 liquid stage, forming the third stage of the rocket, is powered by two Vikas engines designed and developed at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.