Isro’s ‘Bahubali’ rocket lifts off from Sriharikota with heaviest CMS-03 satellite on board

In a major milestone for India’s space programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket — nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its massive lifting power — at 5:26 pm on Sunday (November 2, 2025) from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Liftoff! #LVM3M5 launches #CMS03 from SDSC SHAR, carrying India’s heaviest communication satellite to GTO.

Youtube URL:https://t.co/gFKB0A1GJE

For more Information Visithttps://t.co/yfpU5OTEc5

— ISRO (@isro) November 2, 2025

The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M5 carried the 4,410-kg CMS-03 satellite to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The mission marks Isro’s heaviest satellite launch from Indian soil, a significant step toward achieving complete self-reliance in heavy-lift capabilities.

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According to mission updates, the rocket’s L110 stage began operations as planned, with the launch progressing nominally.

This marks the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil and into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro). It is also the heaviest satellite to be lifted by an entirely home-grown rocket.

In an earlier social media update, Isro posted, “Launch Day for LVM3M5. India’s heavy-lift rocket (to) launch CMS03 today at 17:26 hrs.” The 24-hour countdown began on Saturday. The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is Isro’s new-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to place 4,000-kg-class satellites into GTO in a cost-effective manner.

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For years, Isro relied on launch services from France-based Arianespace to deploy its heavier communication satellites exceeding 4,000 kg from French Guiana. Sunday’s launch marks a turning point — India’s first such heavy satellite launched domestically.

What makes CMS-03 special

The CMS-03 satellite will provide communication services across a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass, according to Isro. While reports suggest potential defence applications, the space agency has not commented on its classified aspects.

CMS-03 is expected to significantly boost India’s telecommunication network, strengthen broadband connectivity, and enhance broadcasting services in remote areas. The mission underscores India’s growing capability and confidence in independently launching advanced communication payloads.

About the LVM3 rocket

LVM3, earlier known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (GSLV Mk 3), is a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle equipped with two solid strap-on boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and an upper cryogenic stage (C25). This configuration enables Isro to launch payloads of up to 4,000 kg into GTO and about 8,000 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

CMS-03: Strengthening India’s naval communication network

CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, is an advanced multi-band military communication satellite developed for the Indian Navy. It replaces the ageing GSAT-7 (Rukmini) and enhances network-centric warfare capabilities by providing real-time, secure voice, video, and data links among warships, submarines, aircraft, and naval command centres.

Funded by the Ministry of Defence at a cost of ₹1,589 crore (around USD 225 million), the project was contracted in June 2019. It follows earlier missions like GSAT-7A, launched for the Indian Air Force, under the same series aimed at self-reliant defence communication systems.

Isro’s efficient orbital strategy

When launching geostationary satellites, Isro first places them into an elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), roughly 36,000 km above Earth at its farthest point. Directly inserting a heavy satellite into a geostationary orbit requires immense energy — and hence, larger rockets.

Instead, Isro uses a smarter approach: placing the satellite in a transfer orbit and then gradually raising it using onboard thrusters. This method was used successfully during the GSAT-19 mission on the LVM3-D1 flight, where the 3,136-kg payload was inserted into a 170 km x 35,975 km orbit and later manoeuvred into its intended position through multiple Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) burns.