The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, today. This satellite holds the distinction of being the heaviest ever to be launched from Indian soil into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The spacecraft will be carried aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket, a vehicle aptly nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ due to its impressive heavy-lift capacity. ISRO announced the commencement of the countdown, stating, “Countdown commences!! Final preparations complete and the countdown for LVM3-M5 (mission) has officially begun at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.” The agency further confirmed, “All systems are GO as we move closer to liftoff!” with the launch window set for 5:26 PM.
Key Details about the LVM3-M5 Rocket Launch:
- The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is ISRO’s advanced heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed to place the CMS-03 satellite into GTO cost-effectively. CMS-03 itself is a multi-band communication satellite weighing approximately 4,410 kg.
- The LVM3-M5 rocket, standing at 43.5 meters tall, has been fully assembled and integrated with the spacecraft. It has been moved to the second launch pad for final pre-launch checks. This marks the fifth operational flight for the LVM3, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MkIII.
- The LVM3 is a robust three-stage rocket featuring two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25). This configuration empowers ISRO with self-reliance for launching heavier communication satellites, capable of lifting payloads up to 4,000 kg to GTO.
- The primary objective of the CMS-03 satellite is to provide vital services across a broad oceanic region, extending to the Indian landmass. While there’s speculation about its use in military surveillance, ISRO has not yet released official confirmation on this aspect.
- Notably, the LVM3 rocket was also instrumental in the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Its powerful cryogenic stage allows it to carry payloads of up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit. The S200 solid rocket boosters, developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, provide the initial thrust, while the L110 Liquid Stage, powered by two Vikas engines from the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, completes the ascent.