India has etched another golden chapter in its space history. On Sunday at exactly 5:26 PM, the ISRO satellite launch of the 4410 kg communication satellite CMS-03 was successfully carried out from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite was lifted into space by India’s indigenously built LVM3-M5 rocket, popularly known as ‘Bahubali Rocket’ for its massive strength and payload capacity.
This success marks a major technological and strategic milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as it is the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil. Previously, in 2018, ISRO had launched the 5,854 kg GSAT-11 satellite — but that mission was carried out from French Guiana with the help of the French company Arianespace.
This time, however, the story is completely different. Using fully indigenous technology, ISRO has demonstrated its self-reliance by launching the CMS-03 satellite using its own ‘Bahubali’ rocket. Standing about 43.5 meters tall, the LVM3-M5 rocket is the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed by India, capable of placing payloads above 4,000 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) at a much lower cost.
According to sources quoted by PTI, the CMS-03 satellite will primarily serve communication purposes, but it may also have applications in defense surveillance. However, ISRO has not made any official comment on that aspect.
ISRO stated that the CMS-03 satellite will significantly enhance communication services across India and the wider Indian Ocean region. It will support reliable connectivity for remote islands, coastal regions, and maritime routes — an important step toward strengthening India’s digital and defense infrastructure.
Experts believe this ISRO satellite launch marks India’s growing dominance in global space technology. The Bahubali rocket’s success highlights how Indian scientists are steadily reducing dependence on foreign launch systems, paving the way for a truly self-reliant space program.
This successful mission reinforces India’s commitment to developing indigenous space technology that is both cost-effective and efficient. With future plans to launch even heavier satellites using the LVM3 series, ISRO aims to secure a larger share of the global commercial satellite launch market.
The nation proudly celebrates this ISRO satellite launch, as India once again proves its capabilities in space exploration. Countries across the world are now watching India’s rapid advancements closely — a testament to the vision, precision, and dedication of ISRO’s scientists.
