India Launches Heaviest Communication Satellite On LVM3 Rocket

India's space agency ISRO has achieved a new milestone by launching its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg, aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket, also known as 'Bahubali'. The satellite was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and is designed to enhance secure, multi-band communications, particularly for the Indian Navy, replacing the GSAT-7 series launched in 2013. This launch highlights India's expanding capabilities in space technology and strategic autonomy, with plans for seven more missions in the next five months and ambitious goals including a manned space flight by 2027 and lunar exploration by 2040. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan congratulated ISRO scientists on this success, emphasizing the nation's growing prowess in space innovation and maritime communication. The LVM3 rocket has maintained a 100% success rate with all eight launches, reinforcing India's reputation in heavy-lift space missions. This development also signals increased opportunities for private industry involvement in India's space ventures.