Countdown Begins for ISRO’s Heaviest Satellite Launch
The 24-hour countdown has commenced for the launch of ISRO’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg. The satellite will be launched aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’, from Indian soil.
Key Mission Details
- Launch Time: 5:26 PM on November 2
- Rocket: LVM3-M5 (43.5 meters tall)
- Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
- Significance: Heaviest satellite launched from India
ISRO confirmed that the launch vehicle has been fully assembled and moved to the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The space agency stated, “All systems are GO as we move closer to liftoff.”
About the LVM3 Rocket
The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of placing 4,000 kg spacecraft into GTO. This three-stage vehicle features:
- Two solid motor strap-ons (S200)
- Liquid propellant core stage (L110)
- Cryogenic stage (C25)
The rocket provides ISRO complete self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites. The LVM3-M5 marks the fifth operational flight of this vehicle, which has a perfect success record since its first development flight in December 2014.
Mission Significance
The CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite that will provide services over a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass. This launch demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in space technology.
The LVM3 rocket has previously successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission, making India the first country to land near the lunar South Pole in 2023.
For the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has planned the Human Rated LVM3 (HRLV) as the launch vehicle, highlighting the rocket’s reliability for future crewed missions.
