Syed Saif Ul Hassan 
Nov 02, 2025
A notable stride has been made by India with the successful launch of its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, on Sunday.
The launch of India's heaviest communication satellite marks a significant advancement in the country’s space programme. It lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 5:26 PM local time (1156 GMT).
“Our space sector continues to make us proud,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in celebration of the achievement. He also expressed his ambitions to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Weighing approximately 4,410 kilogrammes, the CMS-03 is described by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the heaviest communication satellite launched in India.
The Indian Navy noted that the satellite will enhance secure communication links between ships, aircraft, and submarines. The CMS-03 was deployed using the LVM3-M5 launch vehicle, which stands 43.5 metres tall.
This upgraded rocket previously facilitated India’s unmanned lunar landing in August 2023, positioning India alongside Russia, the United States, and China in achieving a controlled lunar landing.
Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its space ambitions, with its space programme gaining momentum.
Earlier this year, Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot with the Indian Air Force, became the second Indian to travel to space and the first to reach the International Space Station, taking a bold step towards India’s planned crewed mission in 2027.
