Indigenous LVM3 places heaviest-ever Indian communication satellite in orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday achieved a major milestone by successfully launching and placing into orbit its heaviest-ever communication satellite built and flown entirely from Indian soil.

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

The satellite, CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kilograms, was carried by the newgeneration LVM3-M5 rocket, popularly known as "Bahubali" for its heavy-lift capability.

ISRO confirmed that the launch vehicle precisely injected the satellite into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), marking another landmark achievement for India's space programme. "The 4410 kg satellite is precisely injected," ISRO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space, V. Narayanan, announced from the Mission Control Centre after the launch.

CMS-03, a multi-band communication satellite, is designed to provide services across the Indian landmass and a vast oceanic region. It will serve as a replacement for the GSAT-7 series launched in 2013 and has an operational life of at least 15 years. "This mission is yet another shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat," Narayanan said, referring to India's push for self-reliance in high-technology sectors.

The launch, conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marks the fifth operational flight of the LVM3 series and its eighth mission overall. All eight missions, including its experimental flight, have been successful, giving the vehicle a 100 per cent success record.