India Launches Heaviest Communication Satellite, CMS-03

India successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, the CMS-03, on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s expanding space program. The satellite lifted off from the Sriharikota launch site in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh at 17:26 local time (11:56 GMT).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the CMS-03 weighs approximately 4,410 kilograms (9,722 pounds), making it the heaviest communication satellite the country has ever launched. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the ongoing advancements in India’s space sector. He reiterated his ambition to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

The CMS-03 satellite is designed to enhance communication capabilities for the Indian Navy, providing secure communication links between ships, aircraft, and submarines. Its deployment is expected to bolster national security and improve operational efficiency for maritime forces.

The satellite was launched aboard the LVM3-M5, a 43.5-meter (143-foot) tall rocket. This launch vehicle is an upgraded version that successfully delivered India’s unmanned lunar lander to the Moon in August 2023. With this achievement, India joins an elite group, as only Russia, the United States, and China have previously accomplished a controlled landing on the lunar surface.

India’s space ambitions have gained significant momentum over the past decade. The successful launch of the CMS-03 is part of a broader initiative to enhance the country’s capabilities in space exploration and technology. Earlier this year, test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to reach space and the first to visit the International Space Station, paving the way for India’s planned crewed mission in 2027.

The Indian space program continues to expand its reach, with ISRO employing a diverse workforce of 2,400 staff representing over 100 different nationalities. This diverse team plays a crucial role in driving the innovations that are setting the stage for India’s future endeavors in space exploration.

The launch of the CMS-03 not only highlights India’s technological advancements but also its aspirations on the global stage. As the country forges ahead with its space initiatives, it is poised to make significant contributions to international space exploration efforts.