The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone yesterday (November 2, 2025) by successfully placing the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from Indian soil into orbit. The mission utilized the new generation, homegrown heavy-lift rocket, affectionately dubbed ‘Bahubali’ (meaning strongman).
The successful mission saw the multi-band communication satellite CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg, flown onboard the powerful LVM3-M5 rocket. This accomplishment enables the Indian space agency to achieve a rare feat, demonstrating robust indigenous heavy-lift capabilities.
According to ISRO, the CMS-03 is designed to provide comprehensive communication services across a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass. Crucially, the satellite, successfully placed into the desired Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), serves as a replacement for the older GSAT 7 series, which was launched back in 2013. The CMS-03 is engineered to provide these vital services for a lifespan of at least 15 years.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, addressing the Mission Control Center after the launch, referred to the LVM3 satellite as ‘Bahubali,’ highlighting its considerable heavy-lift capability. He proudly recalled the rocket’s last mission, the “most prestigious Chandrayaan 3,” which brought immense pride to the nation, noting that this launch achieved “yet another pride” with a heavier satellite payload.
Narayanan further emphasized the 100 percent success rate of the LVM3, with all eight of its launches, including its experimental mission, proving successful. He stressed that the satellite’s success is “yet another shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), showcasing India’s growing self-sufficiency in complex space technologies.
The ISRO team successfully navigated challenging weather conditions to ensure the mission’s success. Prior to this launch, the Indian space agency had often relied on the French Guiana launch base and Ariane rockets provided by Arianespace for deploying its heaviest satellites into space, with the last being the 5,854 kg GSAT-11 in 2018. The success of LVM3-M5 significantly reduces this external dependency.
This launch marks a significant leap in India’s indigenous space technology and heavy-lift capacity.
Key Highlights:
- Record Satellite Launch: ISRO successfully launched the CMS-03 communication satellite, weighing 4,410 kg—the heaviest ever launched from Indian soil—onboard the LVM3-M5 rocket.
- Rocket Success Rate: The LVM3 rocket, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its heavy-lift capability, maintained a 100% success rate across all eight of its missions, including the recent Chandrayaan 3 launch.
- Satellite Function & Lifespan: CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite, replacing the GSAT 7 series, designed to provide services over the Indian landmass and oceanic regions for at least 15 years.
- Indigenous Capability: The mission reinforces India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by demonstrating strong indigenous heavy-lift capacity, reducing reliance on foreign launch services like those previously utilized from French Guiana.