The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for another prestigious mission, preparing to launch its ‘Bahubali Rocket,’ the LVM3-M5 (Launch Vehicle Mark-III M5), carrying the heaviest communication satellite from Indian soil to date. The launch is scheduled for Sunday (November 2) at 5:26 PM from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Tirupati District. The countdown process has already begun.
The LVM3-M5 rocket will carry the CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) communication satellite, weighing 4400 kg, and successfully place this massive satellite into the Geo Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers from Earth. This launch marks the first time ISRO has sent a satellite of this weight from SHAR, signalling a major milestone for the organisation.
The indigenously developed CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) satellite is a replacement for the GSAT-7 satellite, which was launched in 2013 and whose operational period has ended. The new satellite, built with advanced technology, is expected to provide improved internet services across the Indian landmass, including remote forest areas and vast maritime regions, for a period of ten years. This mission is aimed at resolving the issue of inadequate internet connectivity in many remote parts of the country.
