The 43.5 metre tall rocket, dubbed as 'Bahubali' for its ability to carry heavier payloads weighing up to 4,000 kg, is scheduled for a 5.26 pm liftoff on November 2.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has begun the 24-hour countdown for the launch of the LVM3-M5 rocket, nicknamed 'Bahubali' for its heavy-lift capability. The mission will place the CMS-03 communication satellite, weighing around 4,410 kg, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) -- making it the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil.
ISRO said the 43.5-metre-tall rocket is scheduled for liftoff at 5:26 pm on November 2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The vehicle has been fully assembled, integrated with the spacecraft, and moved to the second launch pad for final checks.
The space agency had earlier launched its heaviest communication satellite GSAT-11 on December 5, 2018, from the Kourou launch base in French Guiana aboard the Ariane-5 VA-246 rocket. Weighing 5,854 kg, GSAT-11 remains the heaviest satellite built by ISRO.
India's most powerful rocket
The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) -- also known as the GSLV Mk-III -- is ISRO's most powerful three-stage launch vehicle. It consists of two solid rocket boosters (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25), all developed indigenously.
This configuration gives ISRO full self-reliance in launching heavy communication satellites weighing up to 4,000 kg in GTO. The rocket can also carry up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
"Countdown commences! Final preparations complete and all systems are GO as we move closer to liftoff," ISRO said in a post on X.
Fifth operational flight
The LVM3-M5 marks the rocket's fifth operational flight, continuing a 100% success record since its development. The vehicle earlier powered the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole in 2023.
CMS-03: Expanding India's communication reach
The CMS-03 satellite is designed to provide multi-band communication services across the Indian mainland and adjoining oceanic regions, strengthening India's space-based communication network.Human spaceflight ambitions ahead
ISRO has also developed a human-rated version of the LVM3, known as the HRLV, which will serve as the launch vehicle for the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.