A powerful launch vehicle lifted off from Sriharikota on Sunday, marking another major advancement in India’s space capabilities. ISRO successfully launched the LVM3 M5 rocket, popularly known as Bahubali, carrying the country’s heaviest communication satellite weighing about 4410 kg into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
The countdown lasted 24 hours before the 43.5 metre tall rocket rose from the spaceport at 5.26 pm. Bright orange exhaust flames trailed behind as it climbed into the sky. According to ISRO, the satellite is expected to separate from the rocket after about 16 to 20 minutes of flight at an altitude of nearly 180 km.
The onboard satellite, named CMS 03, is a multi band communication satellite designed to provide coverage across the Indian region and a large surrounding oceanic area.
LVM3, also known as GSLV MkIII, is ISRO’s heavy lift launch vehicle capable of placing satellites of up to 4000 kg into GTO. It has three stages that include two S200 solid strap on boosters, an L110 liquid core stage, and a C25 cryogenic upper stage developed indigenously. This rocket has given India complete self reliance in launching heavier communication satellites.
The LVM3 M5 is the fifth operational flight of this launch vehicle. It has maintained a record of successful missions since its first development flight in December 2014. A human rated version of this rocket has been planned for the Gaganyaan mission.
Earlier, ISRO had launched its heaviest satellite GSAT 11 weighing 5854 kg in 2018 from a foreign launch site. In this mission, the objective is for CMS 03 to extend reliable communication services over the Indian landmass and surrounding waters.
The launch is also important for national maritime security. The GSAT 7R communication satellite developed for the Indian Navy weighs about 4400 kg and is equipped with new generation components. Once it becomes operational, it will provide telecommunication coverage across the Indian Ocean Region. With multi band transponders, it will enable secure voice, data, and video links between naval ships, submarines, aircraft and control centres. This enhanced network will support real time situational awareness and coordinated operations across surface, sub surface and aerial platforms, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities in the Indo Pacific region.
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