India Heaviest Communication Satellite:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a new milestone on Sunday, November 2, 2025, by launching its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, using the LVM3-M5 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

India Heaviest Communication Satellite:

The powerful 43.5-meter-tall rocket lifted off sharply at 5:26 p.m., marking another success for India’s space program. As it soared into the evening sky, the rocket emitted bright orange flames, capturing a spectacular sight for onlookers.

According to ISRO, the CMS-03 satellite, carried on the back of the LVM3-M5, was separated from the rocket after a flight duration of about 16 to 20 minutes, upon reaching an altitude of around 180 km. The launch vehicle then placed the satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite designed to provide high-quality communication services over a wide oceanic region, including the entire Indian landmass. It is one of the most advanced satellites developed by ISRO, offering better connectivity and data transmission capabilities for civilian and strategic purposes.

This mission is particularly significant because CMS-03 is the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil using a domestic rocket. In the past, ISRO had to rely on foreign launch bases such as Kourou in French Guiana for sending heavier satellites into space. For instance, in December 2018, ISRO launched GSAT-11, which weighed 5,854 kilograms, from the French Guiana launch site.

With the successful LVM3-M5 mission, ISRO has proven its capability to launch heavier payloads from home, reducing dependency on foreign launch sites. This achievement marks a big step forward in India’s space technology, enhancing its communication infrastructure and strengthening its position in global space research.

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