India’s space programme achieved another landmark as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-M5) — popularly known as Bahubali.
The mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 5:26 pm, signifies India’s growing self-reliance and global stature in space technology.
Record-Breaking Launch of CMS-03
- CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg, became the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Designed to deliver multi-band communication services across the Indian mainland and oceanic regions, the satellite will strengthen India’s digital connectivity, disaster management, and strategic communication capabilities.
- The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M5 rocket demonstrated exceptional performance, further validating India’s capacity to handle heavy-class payloads, once dependent on foreign launchers.
Technological Milestone for India’s Space Programme
The LVM3 is India’s most powerful operational launch vehicle, featuring:
- Two solid strap-on boosters (S200) for lift-off thrust,
- A liquid core stage (L110) for mid-flight stability, and
- A cryogenic upper stage (C25) for precision orbital insertion.
This mission marked the fifth operational flight of LVM3. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan emphasised that India’s space journey — from launching a sounding rocket in 1963 to deploying advanced satellites today — demonstrates the nation’s technological evolution, resilience, and scientific capability.
Expanding Frontiers in Space Exploration
ISRO’s recent accomplishments showcase a comprehensive expansion of its scientific and exploratory goals:
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Made India the first country to land near the Moon’s South Pole.
- Aditya-L1 (2024): India’s first solar observatory, stationed at the Lagrange Point L1.
- XPoSat (2024): Advanced mission studying cosmic X-ray polarisation.
- SpaDeX (2025): The Space Docking Experiment, crucial for future orbital assembly and space station missions.
These milestones underline India’s emergence as a major spacefaring nation.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- CMS-03: India’s heaviest communication satellite (4,410 kg).
- Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M5 (Bahubali), 43.5 m tall, three-stage configuration.
- Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Notable Missions: Chandrayaan-3 (Moon), Aditya-L1 (Sun), XPoSat (Cosmic Research).
- Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Future Vision: Space Station and Human Missions
Under Space Vision 2047, India aims for:
- Human Spaceflight (Gaganyaan Mission) – India’s first crewed orbital mission.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station – India’s planned indigenous space station.
- Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan) – exploring the planet’s atmosphere and geology.
- Private Sector Integration: Over 300 Indian space startups now contribute to satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and deep-space technologies.
New launch complexes in Tamil Nadu’s Kulasekarapattinam and Sriharikota’s expansion zone highlight India’s growing ecosystem and global competitiveness in space commerce.
Major ISRO Missions – Overview
| Mission Name | Year of Launch | Mission Type / Domain | Key Objectives / Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aryabhata | 1975 | Satellite (First Indian Satellite) | India’s first satellite; experimental mission for scientific data collection. |
| SLV-3 | 1980 | Launch Vehicle | India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle; placed Rohini satellite in orbit. |
| INSAT Series | 1983–Present | Communication & Meteorology | Provides communication, weather forecasting, and telecommunication services. |
| IRS Series | 1988–Present | Earth Observation | Mapping, resource management, and environmental monitoring. |
| PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) | 1993 | Launch Vehicle | Reliable workhorse launcher for satellites to polar orbits. |
| GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) | 2001 | Launch Vehicle | Launches heavier satellites into Geostationary Orbit; introduced cryogenic technology. |
| Chandrayaan-1 | 2008 | Lunar Mission | First lunar probe; confirmed water molecules on Moon’s surface. |
| Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) | 2013 | Interplanetary Mission | India’s first mission to Mars; demonstrated cost-effective deep-space exploration. |
| Astrosat | 2015 | Astronomy Observatory | India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory for cosmic studies. |
| Cartosat-3 | 2019 | Earth Observation | High-resolution mapping for urban planning, infrastructure, and defence. |
| RISAT-2BR1 | 2019 | Radar Imaging Satellite | All-weather, day-night surveillance for strategic and agricultural use. |
| Chandrayaan-2 | 2019 | Lunar Mission | Attempted soft landing near Moon’s south pole; orbiter continues to function successfully. |
| EOS Series (Earth Observation Satellites) | 2020–Present | Earth Observation | Successor to IRS; improved imaging for resource mapping, agriculture, and disaster management. |
| Chandrayaan-3 | 2023 | Lunar Mission | First successful landing near Moon’s South Pole; made India 4th nation to soft-land on Moon. |
| Aditya-L1 | 2024 | Solar Mission | India’s first solar observatory; studies solar atmosphere from L1 point. |
| XPoSat | 2024 | Space Science | Explores polarisation of cosmic X-rays to understand celestial sources. |
| SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) | 2025 | Space Technology | Demonstrates autonomous docking—key for space station and human missions. |
| CMS-03 | 2025 | Communication Satellite | Heaviest Indian communication satellite; boosts multi-band communication services. |
| Gaganyaan (Upcoming) | 2026–27 (Expected) | Human Spaceflight | India’s first crewed mission; aims to send Indian astronauts (Vyomnauts) to orbit. |
| Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Planned) | 2035 (Target) | Space Station | India’s indigenous orbital station for scientific and technological research. |
| Shukrayaan-1 (Planned) | 2031 (Expected) | Interplanetary (Venus Mission) | To study Venus’ atmosphere, climate, and surface composition. |
Key Notes:
- ISRO’s flagship launchers: PSLV (medium-lift), GSLV (heavy-lift), LVM3 (super heavy-lift).
- Focus areas: Communication, Remote Sensing, Planetary Exploration, Astronomy, and Human Spaceflight.
- Private participation: Over 300 startups involved in satellite tech, propulsion, and data applications.
- Future vision: Achieve self-reliant space economy under Space Vision 2047.
Conclusion
The successful launch of CMS-03 aboard LVM3-M5 marks a defining step in India’s journey toward space self-reliance and global leadership.
From communication satellites to interplanetary missions, India’s advancements reaffirm its role as a pioneering force in the global space economy — bridging science, technology, and strategic ambition for a future beyond Earth.
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