A Giant Leap: CMS-03 Successfully Launched by ‘Bahubali’ Rocket
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone on November 2, 2025, with the successful launch of its heaviest-ever communication satellite, CMS-03. The satellite, weighing approximately 4,410 kilograms, was placed into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by the powerful LVM3-M5 rocket, also known as ‘Bahubali’, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 5:26 p.m.
This mission marks the first time ISRO has launched a satellite exceeding 4,000 kg entirely on its own, a feat previously reliant on international launch providers such as Arianespace or SpaceX. The success reinforces India’s growing self-reliance and capability in executing complex, heavy-lift space missions.
Engineering Excellence: The Power of LVM3
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India’s most powerful rocket, was the backbone of this landmark mission. Nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its massive strength, LVM3 employs twin S200 solid boosters, an L110 liquid core stage with twin Vikas engines, and an indigenously built cryogenic upper stage.
For the CMS-03 mission, ISRO engineers upgraded the cryogenic stage (C32)—boosting its fuel capacity from 28,000 to 32,000 kg and thrust from 20 to 22 tonnes. This modification provided the extra power required to lift the heavy CMS-03 payload, making the mission both a technological and strategic breakthrough for India’s heavy-lift capabilities.
CMS-03: Expanding India’s Communication Frontier
The CMS-03 satellite is designed to significantly enhance communication coverage across India and adjoining oceanic regions. Operating in multiple frequency bands, it will serve both civilian and defense sectors, providing robust telecommunication, internet, broadcasting, and secure military communication networks.
With a mission life of 15 years, CMS-03 will particularly benefit the Indian Navy and armed forces, ensuring reliable communication even in remote maritime zones. Beyond defense, the satellite will play a key role in telemedicine, education, disaster management, and digital connectivity, all integral to India’s socio-economic growth.
From Chandrayaan to CMS: ISRO’s Momentum Continues
The CMS-03 launch builds on the momentum of ISRO’s earlier triumphs—most notably the Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023, which made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole. These successive achievements highlight ISRO’s technological maturity and mission diversity, from deep-space exploration to vital communication infrastructure.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan praised the mission team for overcoming challenging weather and technical hurdles. He also announced a successful re-ignition test of the cryogenic upper stage post-satellite separation, a pioneering capability that will enable multi-orbit deployments in future missions.
Strategic Significance: Atmanirbhar in Space
CMS-03 symbolizes India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision in space technology. Until recently, India’s heavier communication satellites were launched abroad, but the success of LVM3 in handling such payloads marks a turning point in India’s strategic autonomy.
By mastering indigenous heavy-lift technology, ISRO not only cuts costs and dependency but also enhances India’s stature as a global space power—capable of offering competitive launch services to other nations.
A New Orbit of Confidence
The launch of CMS-03 aboard the Bahubali rocket represents more than a technical triumph—it is a symbol of India’s scientific progress, strategic independence, and global ambition.
As CMS-03 strengthens communication, defense, and developmental networks across the subcontinent, it reaffirms ISRO’s role as a pillar of national pride and innovation.
With each successful mission, India inches closer to a future where it not only reaches for the stars but builds the pathways to get there on its own terms.
(With agency inputs)
