In a landmark achievement, ISRO’s heavy-lift vehicle LVM3‑M5—nicknamed “Bahubali”—launched the CMS-03 communication satellite with a mass of approximately 4,410 kg from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This is the heaviest communication satellite ever placed into geosynchronous transfer orbit from Indian soil. The mission enhances India’s self-reliance in space launch capabilities—previously heavier satellites had to be launched abroad.

The satellite is designed for multi-band communication, including landmass and wide oceanic coverage, strengthening both civilian broadband and strategic maritime communications. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the success, saying India’s space sector “continues to make us proud”, while ISRO chairman V Narayanan congratulated the team on delivering the payload into its intended orbit.

Importantly, the mission advances the home-grown LVM3 system—key to future human spaceflight missions such as Gaganyaan—and underlines India’s evolving status as a heavy-lift spacefaring nation.