ISRO Successfully Launches India's Heaviest Satellite Despite Unfavourable Weather Conditions

India's heaviest satellite, CMS-03, weighing about 4,410kg, was successfully launched into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) using the LVM3-M5 rocket also known as 'Bahubali'. The satellite, exclusively developed for the Indian Navy, marks the 103rd launch from Sriharikota and the eighth successful mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle. The launch comes despite unfavourable weather conditions and the impact of cyclone Montha.

Key Takeaways:

• The CMS-03 satellite is a multiband communication satellite designed to provide communication services across a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass.
• The satellite is built for a mission life of at least 15 years and incorporates a host of new technologies.
• ISRO experimented with its indigenously developed C25 cryogenic upper stage of the LVM3 rocket and conducted a reignition test, proving that the rocket can now restart its cryogenic stage in space after shutdown, giving it greater mission flexibility.
• The LVM3 rocket carried the CMS-03 satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) using a 10% increased payload capability over its previous mission.
• The launch is a significant achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and marks the 103rd launch from Sriharikota.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the ISRO scientists, stating that the Indian space sector continues to make the nation proud.

Statistics:

• The CMS-03 satellite weighs about 4,410kg.
• The LVM3 rocket carries a payload capability of 10% more than its previous mission.
• The satellite is designed to provide communication services across a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass.
• The CMS-03 satellite will have a mission life of at least 15 years.
• ISRO has launched a total of 103 missions from Sriharikota.

Sources:

• Economic Times, "ISRO successfully launches India's heaviest satellite despite unfavourable weather conditions"