India Hits New Space Milestone By Launching Heaviest Satellite On 'Bahubali' Rocket | Top Points

The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday reached a new milestone by launching its heaviest communication satellite on an Indian rocket and placing it in orbit.

ISRO launched its CMS-03

communication satellite, weighing 4,410 kg, to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) onboard the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M5 rocket, known as ‘Bahubali’ for its heavy-lift capability. The launch took place from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Station in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 5:26 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan congratulated ISRO on the feat, lauding India’s excellence in space innovation. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the space agency plans to carry out seven launch missions in the next five months.

A Historic Launch: Top Points

• The communication satellite CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite and would provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass, according to ISRO. It is also a replacement to the GSAT 7 series, launched in 2013.
• VM-3, previously known as Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (GSLV Mk 3), is a three-stage launch vehicle that includes two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25). It is dubbed ‘Bahubali’ for its capabilities in launching heavier communication satellites up to 4,000 kg in GTO and 8,000 kg in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• All eight LVM 3 launches, including its experimental mission, have been successful, achieving a 100% success rate. ISRO scientists also demonstrated the re-ignition of the thrust chamber of the C-25 cryogenic engine after it placed the satellite in orbit.
• PM Modi congratulated ISRO, saying, “Powered by our space scientists, it is commendable how our space sector has become synonymous with excellence and innovation.”
• “This indigenously developed satellite will strengthen space-based communications, connectivity, and maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region, marking another proud milestone in Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” said VP Radhakrishnan.
• Indian Space Association (ISPA) Director General Lt Gen A K Bhatt (retd) said the CMS-03 satellite will be a game-changer for India’s maritime and national security, providing advanced, secure communication channels that are critical in the Indian Ocean Region and the mainland, reported news agency PTI.
• Previously, ISRO launched its heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-11, on December 5, 2018, from the Kourou launch base in French Guiana using the Ariane-5 VA-246 rocket. GSAT-11 weighs about 5,854 kg and remains the heaviest satellite built by ISRO.
• ISRO had planned the human-rated LVM3 rocket as the launch vehicle, which is named HRLV, for its ambitious Gaganyaan mission scheduled in 2027.

(with inputs from PTI)