Record-Breaking Satellite Launch
India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03 Launched by ISRO’s Bahubali Rocket: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone with the successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite CMS-03. The satellite, weighing 4,410 kg, was launched aboard the LVM3-M5, popularly called the ‘Bahubali Rocket’, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The launch took place at 5:26 PM on November 2, 2025, marking another leap toward India’s technological self-reliance in space exploration.
Static GK fact: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located on Sriharikota Island in Andhra Pradesh, serving as India’s primary spaceport since 1971.
The Power of LVM3-M5
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) is a three-stage heavy-lift rocket capable of placing payloads of up to 4 tonnes into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Its robust configuration includes two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. This fifth operational flight demonstrated India’s ability to independently launch large communication satellites that were earlier dependent on foreign launchers.
Static GK Tip: LVM3 was earlier known as GSLV Mk-III, and it played a key role in launching Chandrayaan-2 in 2019.
Strengthening India’s Space Communication
CMS-03 is built to improve multi-band communication services across the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding oceans. It will enhance television broadcasting, mobile connectivity, disaster management communication, and broadband services. This satellite will replace older communication satellites and significantly improve India’s digital infrastructure.
Static GK fact: The first Indian communication satellite, APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment), was launched in 1981 from French Guiana.
Technological Evolution and Achievements
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan emphasized that this achievement symbolizes India’s journey from launching sounding rockets in 1963 to executing complex space missions. India’s recent accomplishments include Chandrayaan-3’s lunar success, Aditya-L1’s solar studies, and XPoSat’s space research. These missions have placed India among the top spacefaring nations.
Static GK Tip: India became the first nation to land near the Moon’s South Pole in 2023 with Chandrayaan-3.
Vision 2047 and Future Missions
ISRO’s long-term roadmap, Space Vision 2047, aims for crew-based space missions, lunar exploration, and establishing an Indian space station. The upcoming Gaganyaan mission will send Indian astronauts into orbit, while projects like the Venus Orbiter Mission and Bharatiya Antariksh Station are in the pipeline. India’s expanding ecosystem, with over 300 private space startups, is fueling innovation and global competitiveness.
Static GK fact: The Department of Space operates directly under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), showcasing the strategic importance of India’s space program.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03 Launched by ISRO’s Bahubali Rocket:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch Date | November 2, 2025 |
| Launch Vehicle | LVM3-M5 (Bahubali Rocket) |
| Satellite Name | CMS-03 |
| Satellite Weight | 4,410 kg |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota |
| Orbit Type | Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) |
| ISRO Chairman | Dr. V. Narayanan |
| Major Objective | Enhance multi-band communication services |
| Notable Missions Linked | Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan |
| Long-term Vision | Space Vision 2047 – Indian space station & human missions |
