Sriharikota, November 2, 2025
ISRO’s LVM3-M5 Successfully Launches India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on Sunday with the successful launch of the LVM3-M5 mission, carrying the CMS-03 communication satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The launch took place from the Second Launch Pad after a smooth 24-hour countdown.
The LVM3—India’s most powerful heavy-lift launch vehicle—placed the CMS-03 satellite into its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), following which ISRO confirmed successful separation with the message: “CMS-03 separated successfully. Perfect injection.”
CMS-03 is a 4,410-kg multi-band communication satellite, now the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from Indian soil. It is designed to enhance voice, data and video communication coverage over India and its surrounding maritime region, including remote territories and oceanic zones of strategic importance. The satellite will eventually be positioned in geostationary orbit to provide uninterrupted regional coverage.
The launch vehicle LVM3, often called “Bahubali” for its lifting capability, uses two solid strap-on boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). The M5 mission marks the fifth operational flight of the LVM3 heavy-lift launcher.
According to ISRO and mission briefings, CMS-03 will significantly boost India’s communication infrastructure, improve maritime connectivity, and reduce reliance on foreign launch providers for heavy satellite deployment.
With this launch, India reinforces its position among global space-faring nations capable of deploying high-capacity satellites using indigenous heavy-lift systems. The success also supports future ambitions, including human spaceflight and advanced deep-space missions.
