ISRO confirmed that the 24-hour countdown has begun, with all systems checked and the vehicle integrated and rolled out to the second launch pad. “Countdown commences! Final preparations complete and all systems are GO as we move closer to liftoff,” the space agency said in a post on X.
India’s Most Powerful Rocket
The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), also known as the GSLV Mk-III, is India’s most powerful three-stage rocket. It includes two solid rocket boosters (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25) all developed indigenously. This configuration enables ISRO to launch heavy communication satellites weighing up to 4,000 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and payloads of up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
CMS-03: Expanding India’s Communication Network
The CMS-03 satellite is designed to provide multi-band communication services across India and adjoining oceanic regions. It will significantly strengthen India’s telecommunication infrastructure, supporting broadcasting, emergency communication, and digital connectivity in remote regions.
Fifth Operational Flight with 100% Success Rate
This launch marks the fifth operational flight of the LVM3 series, maintaining a flawless success record since its development. The rocket’s most notable achievement was Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, when India became the first nation to land near the lunar south pole a global milestone for ISRO.
Step Toward Human Spaceflight
ISRO has also developed a human-rated version of LVM3, called HRLV, to serve as the launch vehicle for the ambitious Gaganyaan Mission. This will mark India’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of sending astronauts into space using indigenous technology.
A New Era of Space Self-Reliance
The LVM3-M5 mission is not just a technical achievement but a step forward in India’s journey toward complete self-reliance in satellite communication and space technology. It demonstrates India’s growing ability to independently handle complex launches, reducing reliance on foreign launch platforms.