ISRO Set to Launch Heaviest Communication Satellite Ever from Indian Soil

Strategic Insights -

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch its heaviest communication satellite, the CMS-03, from Indian soil into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) using its heavy-lift LVM3-M5 rocket, famously dubbed 'Bahubali'. Weighing about 4,410 kg, the CMS-03 satellite will be the heaviest ever to be launched from Indian soil, surpassing the previous record set by GSAT-11, which was launched from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket in 2018. The LVM3-M5 rocket has been moved to the second launch pad at the spaceport for pre-launch preparations and is scheduled to liftoff on November 2 at 5:26 pm.

Key Takeaways:

  • The LVM3-M5 rocket, dubbed 'Bahubali', is a new heavy-lift launch vehicle of ISRO used for placing a 4,000 kg spacecraft in GTO in a cost-effective manner.
  • The rocket features two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25), providing ISRO with full self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites.
  • The LVM3-M5 rocket is capable of carrying a payload to GTO weighing 4,000 kg and for Low Earth Orbit payloads of 8,000 kg with its powerful cryogenic stage.
  • The CMS-03 satellite will be the heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil, weighing about 4,410 kg.
  • The satellite will travel on board the LVM3-M5 rocket into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
  • The launch of CMS-03 marks a significant milestone in India's growing capability in indigenous launch vehicle development.
  • The two S200 solid rocket boosters located on the sides of the rocket provide the thrust required for liftoff and were developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • The third stage is the L110 Liquid Stage and is powered by two Vikas engines designed and developed at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

Statistics:

  • The LVM3-M5 rocket stands 43.5 meters tall.
  • The CMS-03 satellite weighs about 4,410 kg.
  • The rocket is capable of carrying a payload of 4,000 kg to GTO.
  • The rocket can carry payloads of 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
  • The LVM3-M5 rocket features two S200 solid motor strap-ons.
  • The LVM3-M5 rocket features a liquid propellant core stage (L110) and a cryogenic stage (C25).

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, "ISRO set to launch heaviest communication satellite from Indian soil on November 2"