India has successfully launched the heaviest communication satellite in its history, marking another milestone in the country’s rapidly advancing space program.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced on Sunday that the 4,410-kilogram satellite, named CMS-03, lifted off from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh at 5:26 p.m. local time.
The satellite surpasses the weight of India’s previous record-holder, launched in 2017, by 1,274 kilograms.
According to ISRO, the satellite was placed into orbit by the LVM3-M5 rocket, a 43.5-metre-long launch vehicle that is an upgraded version of the rocket used in India’s successful 2023 lunar mission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievement, saying the nation’s space sector continues to make India proud and reaffirming his ambition to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
The Indian Navy stated on platform X that the new satellite will play a vital role in securing communication links among ships, aircraft, and submarines.
The launch represents a key step in India’s ambitious efforts to expand its capabilities in space exploration and communications technology.
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