TLDR: ISRO successfully launched its heaviest-ever communication satellite, CMS-03, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on November 2, 2025, using the LVM3-M5 rocket. The satellite weighs 4,410 kg and is designed to enhance India's communication capabilities, particularly for military and maritime security.
Key Points:
- Launch Success:
- Heaviest GEO Satellite:
ISRO launched the CMS-03 satellite aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket (GSLV-MkIII) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on November 2, 2025, at 5:26 PM IST.
CMS-03 is the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from Indian soil, weighing 4,410 kg. It was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Launch Vehicle:
- Satellite’s Purpose:
- ISRO's Growing Capabilities:
- Official Statements:
The LVM3-M5 rocket, known as "Bahubali" for its heavy-lift capability, is a three-stage launch vehicle designed for payloads up to 4,000 kg to GTO. This mission marked its fifth operational flight.
CMS-03 will provide advanced multi-band communication services, supporting military, naval, and maritime operations across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding oceans. It has a planned operational life of 15 years.
This launch underscores ISRO’s increasing self-reliance in deploying heavier satellites, reducing dependence on foreign launch vehicles, and enhancing India's strategic and communications infrastructure.
Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, called the mission a “shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), while Prime Minister Modi congratulated ISRO on the achievement’s role in national progress and innovation.
Comparison of CMS-03 mass with previous heaviest Indian satellites:
Satellite | Launch Vehicle | Mass (kg) | Launched From | Notes |
CMS-03 | LVM3-M5 (GSLV Mk III) | 4,410 | India (Sriharikota) | Heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil by an Indian rocket in 2025 |
GSAT-11 | Ariane-5 | 5,854 | French Guiana | Heaviest satellite built by ISRO but launched by Ariane-5 (not Indian rocket) in 2018 |
GSAT-7R (CMS-03 alternate name) | Used same as CMS-03 | ~4,410 | India (Sriharikota) | Replacement for GSAT-7 with improved capabilities |
GSAT-7 | PSLV or GSLV variants | ~2,500 - 2,800 | India | Earlier Indian communication satellite serving Navy |
Conclusion
- CMS-03 marks a significant milestone as the heaviest communications satellite launched from Indian soil by an Indian launch vehicle (LVM3-M5) weighing 4,410 kg.
- Previously, ISRO had to rely on foreign launch vehicles like Ariane-5 to place heavier satellites such as GSAT-11 (5,854 kg) into orbit.
- This reflects ISRO's enhanced payload capacity of LVM3 for indigenous heavy satellite launches.