India’s space agency launches CMS-03, its heaviest communication satellite at 4,410kg, boosting naval communications and lunar ambitions
SRIHARIKOTA: India successfully launched its heaviest ever communication satellite on Sunday in the latest advancement of the country’s ambitious space programme.
The CMS-03 satellite blasted off from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh at 5:26 pm local time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievement while reaffirming his goal to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Weighing approximately 4,410 kilograms, this marks the heaviest communication satellite ever launched by India.
The Indian Navy confirmed the satellite will enhance secure communication links between ships, aircraft, and submarines.
The CMS-03 satellite reached orbit aboard the towering 43.5 metre tall LVM3-M5 launch vehicle.
This rocket represents an upgraded version of the vehicle that successfully landed India’s unmanned craft on the Moon in August 2023.
Only Russia, the United States, and China had previously accomplished controlled lunar landings before India’s achievement.
India has significantly expanded its space programme over the past decade, demonstrating growing capabilities and ambition.
Test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian in space and first to reach the International Space Station this year, marking progress toward India’s planned 2027 crewed mission. – AFP
