ISRO Launch Live: ‘Bahubali’ Rocket Lifts Off with Record-Heavy Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully launched its heaviest-ever communication satellite, CMS-03, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The mission was carried out using the LVM3-M5 — the ‘Bahubali’ rocket known for its heavy-lift capacity — from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:26 PM.

According to PTI, CMS-03 is the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil. The LVM3 (GSLV Mk-III) is a three-stage launch vehicle equipped with:

• Two solid strap-on boosters (S200)

• A liquid core stage (L110)

• A cryogenic upper stage (C25)

With this capability, LVM3 gives ISRO full self-reliance in launching 4-tonne class communication satellites to GTO.

Ahead of launch, the 43.5-metre rocket was fully integrated with the spacecraft and moved to the second launch pad for pre-flight checks. The LVM3-M5 marks the fifth operational mission of this launch vehicle.

More updates to follow…