02/11/2025
LVM3M5 heavy lift rocket
The LVM3-M5, also known as “Bahubali,” is India’s latest heavy-lift rocket will be launche by ISRO on November 2, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota[1][2][3][4]. This vehicle successfully carried the CMS-03 communication satellite, the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, weighing around 4,410 kg, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)[1][3][4].
# # # Key Features of LVM3-M5
- **Height:** 43.5 meters[6][7][8]
- **Lift-off Mass:** 642 tonnes[6][7][8]
- **Configuration:** Three-stage rocket with:
- Two S200 solid rocket strap-on boosters for initial thrust[1][2][4][6]
- A liquid propellant core stage (L110) powered by Vikas engines[1][2][4][6]
- A C25 cryogenic upper stage using indigenized technology[1][2][4][6]
- **Payload Capacity:**
- Up to 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)[1][2][4]
- Up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)[1][2][4]
# # # Mission Highlights
- The LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission marks the fifth operational flight for the LVM3 series, which is also called GSLV Mk III
- The CMS-03 satellite is a multi-band, multi-mission communications satellite, crucial for India's naval, air, and maritime operations, providing secure connectivity across land and oceanic regions
- Previous record for the heaviest satellite from Indian soil was GSAT-11 (5,854 kg), but it was launched from abroad
# # # Engineering Relevance
- The powerful design of LVM3-M5 enables Indian self-reliance in launching heavy communications and strategic satellites, supporting both civilian and defense needs
- The rocket’s proven record includes major missions like Chandrayaan-3, adding to its reliability for future launches[2][4].
This mission demonstrates ISRO’s advanced capability in orbital mechanics, launch vehicle design, and heavy payload delivery, making it a significant achievement in India’s space engineering progress