On Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the CMS-03 communication satellite aboard its heavylift LVM3-M5 rocket. This mission marks a historic moment as CMS-03 is the heaviest communication satellite ever to be launched by an Indian vehicle from Indian soil, reaching the critical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Following a precise 24-hour countdown, the impressive 43.5-meter tall rocket ignited its engines and soared into the sky at 5:26 p.m. IST from the second launch pad at the Sriharikota spaceport, located approximately 135 km from Chennai. A spectacular display of bright orange fumes trailed behind the ascending rocket.
Approximately 16 to 20 minutes after liftoff, the CMS-03 satellite, riding piggyback on the LVM3-M5, successfully separated upon reaching an altitude of about 180 km, as confirmed by ISRO.
The CMS-03 is an advanced multi-band communication satellite designed to provide extensive services across a wide oceanic region, significantly benefiting the Indian landmass. This launch highlights India’s growing capabilities in space technology, as previous heavier satellites like GSAT-11 (weighing around 5,854 kg, launched in December 2018) required the use of the Kourou launch base in French Guiana.