How ISRO's 4,400-kg 'Bahubali' Satellite Will Supercharge India's Strategic Comms

India successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite yet - CMS-03 that weighs a whopping 4,400-kg - on Sunday evening. With its launch, India has taken a major leap in space-based communications

and security.In a major push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, the satellite was launched on the indigenously built LVM3-M5 rocket - popularly called the "Bahubali" rocket - from Sriharikota. It was placed into orbit shortly after the 5:26 pm lift-off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

How CMS-03 Satellite Will Boost India's Strategic Communications

CMS-03 is a multi-band satellite that will cover the entire landmass of the country, apart from a vast ocean region. It will deliver secure and robust communication for at least 15 years, the ISRO said.ISRO chief V Narayanan said that the mission carries a "host of new technologies" aimed at boosting India's communication capabilities.Indian Navy officials told news agency PTI that the satellite will greatly enhance maritime communication across the Indian Ocean region. It is expected to support naval operations through strong, space-based networks.Lt General Anil K Bhatt (Retd), Director General of the Indian Space Association, called the CMS-03 satellite a "game changer" for national security. He pointed to the "advanced and secure communication channels" which are vital for the region.The CMS-03 satellite will be equipped with advanced encryption and wide frequency bands, which will help bolster secure connectivity. With high-capacity transponders, the satellite is designed to improve situational awareness for strategic forces.

About 'Bahubali' Rocket Launcher

The 'Bahubali' launcher had its first development flight in 2014. Since then, it has continued a flawless operational record, with the CMS-03 satellite launch being the latest. The LVM3-M5 is powered by a fully-indigenous C25 cryogenic stage. The CMS-03 mission, conducted entirely with indigenous technology, further cements India's capability to deploy heavy satellites, apart from bolstering strategic communications.