ISRO's 'Bahubali' rocket launches India's heaviest communication satellite CMS-03
India's ISRO successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03 (also known as GSAT-7R), aboard the powerful homegrown LVM3-M5 'Bahubali' rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Weighing around 4,410 kg, the satellite will enhance naval communications with wide oceanic coverage and is designed for at least 15 years of service, marking a significant milestone in India's space self-reliance and ambitions.
On November 2, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a significant achievement by launching CMS-03, India's heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing approximately 4,410 kilograms. The satellite was carried into orbit by ISRO's most powerful launch vehicle, the new-generation LVM3-M5 'Bahubali' rocket, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The successful deployment occurred about 16 minutes after liftoff into geostationary transfer orbit, from which CMS-03 will move to a geostationary orbit around 35,786 kilometers above Earth, enabling it to maintain continuous coverage. CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, is a multi-band communication satellite designed to serve Indian naval operations with enhanced maritime domain awareness, covering a wide oceanic region including the Indian landmass. The satellite is built for a minimum operational life of 15 years and incorporates numerous advanced technologies showcasing India's growing technological independence and prowess in space exploration. This launch underscores India's ambitions not only in communication satellite deployment but also in its broader roadmap towards lunar missions, human spaceflight, and establishing a dedicated space station.
