ISRO Rolls Out LVM3 to Launch Pad for November 2 CMS-03 Mission

New Delhi, October 26, 2025: India’s heaviest launch vehicle, LVM3, has been moved to the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in preparation for its next mission scheduled for November 2. Designated LVM3-M5, the mission will carry the CMS-03 communication satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), strengthening multi-band communication across India and surrounding oceanic regions. The fully integrated rocket was rolled out on October 26, marking the final stage of pre-launch preparations. CMS-03, weighing approximately 4,400 kilograms, will become the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from Indian soil. Developed by ISRO, it is designed to enhance connectivity, provide increased bandwidth, and support civil, strategic, and maritime communication needs. The satellite will also expand digital access to remote territories, reinforcing India’s communication infrastructure. This mission represents the fifth operational flight of LVM3, following the Chandrayaan-3 mission in July 2023, which achieved India’s historic soft landing near the Moon’s south pole. Since then, LVM3 has continued to demonstrate its versatility and reliability as India’s primary heavy-lift launcher. It remains a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts in deploying larger satellites and supporting both commercial and strategic space missions. Over the coming days, pre-launch checkouts, fueling, and final readiness rehearsals will be conducted to ensure the vehicle and payload are fully prepared for liftoff. The CMS-03 mission underscores ISRO’s growing capability in handling heavier payloads, a critical requirement for advanced communication and navigation satellites. Once in orbit, CMS-03 will significantly enhance multi-band communication coverage over the Indian mainland and nearby seas, providing sharper and more reliable connectivity for a range of applications. The launch also highlights ISRO’s commitment to building a robust space infrastructure while maintaining the LVM3 as a workhorse for national and commercial satellite deployment. The mission aligns with India’s broader goals of expanding space-based communication, supporting remote and strategic regions, and laying the groundwork for future deep-space and human spaceflight missions. CMS-03’s deployment will further strengthen India’s technological capabilities in space and reaffirm LVM3’s critical role in the nation’s space roadmap. By enhancing the country’s communication networks and demonstrating the ability to launch heavier satellites into GTO, the mission cements India’s position as a global leader in space technology and satellite communications. With LVM3-M5, ISRO continues to showcase precision engineering, mission reliability, and a strategic approach to expanding India’s presence in space, reinforcing the nation’s vision for both technological advancement and global connectivity. ISRO Rolls Out LVM3 for CMS-03 Launch India’s heaviest rocket, LVM3, has been moved to the Sriharikota launch pad ahead of its November 2 liftoff. Carrying the 4,400 kg CMS-03 communication satellite, the mission will place it into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit to strengthen multi-band coverage across India and nearby oceans. This marks the fifth operational flight of LVM3, following Chandrayaan-3’s success in 2023. CMS-03 aims to boost digital connectivity, bandwidth, and strategic communication while expanding access to remote areas. Pre-launch checkouts and fueling are underway as ISRO readies the vehicle for liftoff.