In a remarkable achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, into a geosynchronous orbit, further strengthening India's presence in space technology.

The satellite, weighing 4,410 kg and developed at a cost of ₹1,600 crore, was carried by the LVM3-M5 rocket, popularly known as Baahubali, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch took place at 5:26 pm on November 2, and within 16 minutes and 14 seconds, the satellite was precisely placed into its designated orbit.

Designed to provide uninterrupted communication services across the Indian mainland and the surrounding oceanic regions, CMS-03 features advanced multi-band capabilities including UHF, C, Q, and S bands. It will also play a crucial role in strengthening naval and strategic communication networks.

ISRO Chairman S. Narayanan lauded the mission's success, calling it a “major technological leap” for India. “For the first time in ISRO's history, we successfully restarted and tested the cryogenic engine after satellite deployment. This will allow us to place multiple satellites in different orbits using a single rocket,” he said.

Developed under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the LVM3-M5 has undergone significant upgrades with a 10 percent enhancement in the propulsion capacity of its S200, Vikas, and cryogenic engines.

With a mission life of 15 years, CMS-03 is expected to significantly boost India's communication infrastructure and provide valuable support to upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4, both of which aim to push India's frontiers further into space exploration.