India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is gearing up for another major milestone as it prepares to launch its next-generation communication satellite, CMS-03, aboard the country’s most powerful rocket — Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) — on November 2, 2025.
This mission, officially designated LVM3-M5, marks the fifth operational flight of the rocket and represents a key step forward in strengthening India’s communication satellite network.
“India’s LVM3 launch vehicle is scheduled to launch the CMS-03 communication satellite in its fifth operational flight (LVM3-M5) on November 2, 2025,” ISRO confirmed in an official statement.
What Makes CMS-03 Special
Weighing about 4,400 kilograms, CMS-03 is set to become the heaviest communication satellite ever launched to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Indian soil. Designed as a multi-band communication satellite, it will cover a wide oceanic region, including the entire Indian landmass, ensuring robust communication capabilities for both civilian and strategic applications.
The satellite aims to enhance India’s digital connectivity, strengthen telecommunication infrastructure, and support applications like television broadcasting, disaster management, and secure government communications.
Built on the Legacy of Chandrayaan-3
ISRO’s latest launch comes after the massive success of its previous LVM3 mission, which carried Chandrayaan-3, making India the first nation to achieve a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
The same vehicle, LVM3, known for its high payload capacity and reliability, is often called India’s “Bahubali Rocket.” With this mission, ISRO once again demonstrates its growing capability in handling large, complex payloads.
Final Preparations Underway
ISRO confirmed that the launch vehicle has been fully assembled and integrated with CMS-03 and was transported to the launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on October 26 for final pre-launch checks. The mission is currently undergoing detailed testing and clearance procedures ahead of liftoff.
Boosting India’s Space Communication Network
CMS-03 is expected to replace and enhance older satellites, improving network resilience and coverage capacity for digital India initiatives, especially in remote and maritime regions. The mission underlines ISRO’s strategic focus on combining space innovation with national development.
With this launch, India continues its steady journey toward becoming a global leader in space technology, reinforcing the country’s growing dominance in both scientific exploration and commercial satellite capability.
