India programming careful blend of art, science: Netflix’s Shergill 
ICC warns Pak Cricket Board of legal action against it by JioStar 
Dream Sports firm FanCode bags ISL global broadcast rights 
Guest Column: Budget’s policy interventions to boost Orange Economy 
Alphabet crosses $400 bn revenue mark for the first time in 2025 
‘Mastiii 4’ emerges a must-watch title on ZEE5 
‘Mirzapur: The Movie’ to hit theatres on Sept 4 
Prime Video curates 13 films, series to set the mood this Valentine’s Day 
Tata Play Binge streams ICC T20 WC 2026 across screens 
The heaviest communication satellite to be launched from the Indian soil onboard a new generation, homegrown ‘Bahubali’ (meaning strongman in English) rocket was successfully placed into the intended orbit yesterday (November 2, 2025), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.
The communication satellite CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg, was flown on a LVM3-M5 rocket enabling the Indian space agency to accomplish this rare feat. CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite and would provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass, according to ISRO, a PTI report from launch site Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, said yesterday.
The satellite, placed in the desired geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), is also a replacement to the GSAT 7 series, launched in 2013.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, in his address from the Mission Control Center post launch, described the LVM 3 satellite as ‘Bahubali’, in an apparent reference to its heavylift capability.
He recalled that the rocket’s previous launch was the “most prestigious Chandrayaan 3, which brought pride to nation”. It achieved “yet another pride” yesterday after succeeding with the “heavier satellite.” All the eight LVM 3 launches, including its experimental mission, have been successful, showing a 100 percent success rate.
The satellite was designed to provide communication services for at least 15 years and is “yet another shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India),” Narayanan, also Secretary, Department of Space, added.
The ISRO scientists had a tough time with the mission since the weather was not cooperative, but they worked hard and ensured success, he said.
Prior to Sunday’s launch, the Indian space agency has been utilising the services of Kourou launch base in French Guiana by Ariane rockets offered by France-based Arianespace, for launching heavier satellites.
On December 5, 2018 ISRO had launched its heaviest communication satellite GSAT-11 weighing 5,854 kg, onboard an Ariane-5 VA-246 rocket from French Guiana.
