The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set for a significant milestone with the launch of its heaviest communication satellite to date, CMS-03. This groundbreaking mission will see the satellite placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil, marking a new era in the nation’s space capabilities.
The formidable LVM3-M5 rocket, affectionately nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ due to its immense lifting capacity, will carry the CMS-03 satellite into orbit. This advanced three-stage launch vehicle, comprising solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25), underscores ISRO’s self-reliance in deploying heavy communication satellites, capable of carrying payloads up to 4,000 kg in GTO.
ISRO has confirmed that all systems are ‘GO’ for the launch, with the liftoff scheduled for Sunday at 5:26 PM IST. The LVM3-M5 rocket, standing tall at 43.5 meters, has been fully assembled and integrated with the spacecraft, and has been moved to the launch pad for final pre-launch preparations.
The CMS-03 satellite is designed to offer vital services across the Indian landmass and surrounding oceanic regions. While speculation about its potential military surveillance applications exists, ISRO has not officially confirmed any such objectives.