ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ LVM3-M5 rocket to launch 4,410 kg CMS-03 satellite into orbit: What it will do and why it matters

ISRO is preparing to launch its heaviest communication satellite built in India, CMS-03, today, marking a major milestone for the nation’s space capabilities. Weighing approximately 4,410 kg, CMS-03 will be placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by the LVM3-M5 rocket, also known as ‘Bahubali’, the heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian space agency.

This mission underscores India’s growing self-reliance in space technology, enabling the launch of heavier satellites directly from Indian soil without relying on foreign rockets. While CMS-03’s applications include commercial and potentially strategic services, ISRO has not officially confirmed any military use.

What Is the LVM3-M5 Rocket and Why It’s Called ‘Bahubali’?

The LVM3-M5 is the fifth operational flight of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), ISRO’s flagship heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying payloads up to 4,000 kg to GTO and 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Standing at 43.5 metres tall and with a liftoff mass of 642 tonnes, the rocket is designed to place large communication satellites into precise orbits at a lower cost than international alternatives.
The vehicle is named ‘Bahubali’ by scientists for its ability to lift extremely heavy payloads. It features a three-stage configuration:

• Two S200 solid rocket boosters providing lift-off thrust, developed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
• L110 liquid core stage, powered by two Vikas engines designed at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
• C25 cryogenic stage, providing the final boost to reach GTO.

The LVM3 series is also referred to as GSLV Mk III, highlighting its role in launching both communication satellites and deep-space missions such as Chandrayaan-3, India’s historic lunar south pole landing in 2023.

How CMS-03 Will Strengthen India’s Communication Network

CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite designed to provide coverage over the Indian subcontinent and wide oceanic regions. Its capabilities include enhancing telecommunications, internet connectivity, and satellite broadcasting across India and surrounding areas.By launching CMS-03, ISRO continues its mission to improve digital connectivity and communication services, which are vital for education, telemedicine, and disaster management, especially in remote regions.

Countdown and Launch Sequence: How CMS-03 Will Reach Orbit

The launch sequence of LVM3-M5 carrying CMS-03 is meticulously planned. Key events include:

The rocket has already been fully assembled, integrated with CMS-03, and moved to the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota for final pre-launch checks.

The scheduled liftoff is at 5:26 pm IST on 2 November 2025.

India’s Journey in Heavy-Lift Satellite Launches

While CMS-03 will be the heaviest satellite launched from India to GTO, ISRO has previously launched even heavier satellites abroad. For instance, GSAT-11, weighing about 5,854 kg, was launched in 2018 from French Guiana on an Ariane-5 rocket.

With CMS-03, India strengthens its space autonomy, reducing dependency on international launch services while ensuring timely deployment of critical communication infrastructure.

Why This Launch Is Significant for India

• Boosts India’s domestic communication capacity for broadcasting, internet, and maritime services.
• Demonstrates ISRO’s heavy-lift capabilities, reinforcing India’s standing in the global space community.
• Supports strategic and commercial applications while keeping costs lower than international options.
• Marks a continuation of ISRO’s successful operational LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-3.

CMS-03’s deployment will pave the way for improved communication services across the country and beyond, strengthening India’s position as a reliable space-faring nation.

Inputs from agencies