The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the CMS-03 communication satellite, a significant development in India’s communication technology. The satellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using the GSLV-F10 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), also known as ‘Bahubali’.
The CMS-03 is the third spacecraft in the GSAT (Geostationary Satellite) series and is expected to revolutionize communication in India. It is a Ku-band satellite that will provide services in Extended-C and Ku-bands of the frequency spectrum. Its coverage area includes the Indian mainland and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With a lifespan of seven years, the CMS-03 is set to facilitate a variety of communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over the Indian mainland and islands.
The Bahubali GSLV-F10 rocket stands at 51.7 meters tall and weighs 416 tonnes. The successful launch of the CMS-03 satellite marks the 14th flight of the GSLV and the 8th flight with an indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS). The CUS is crucial for the GSLV as it provides more than half of the rocket’s velocity.
The GSLV-F10/CMS-03 mission was initially scheduled for launch in May 2021 but was postponed due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The launch was again delayed in August due to technical issues. The successful launch, therefore, comes as a significant achievement for the ISRO, which has been facing challenges due to the pandemic.
The CMS-03 satellite will replace the GSAT-12 satellite, launched in 2011, which is nearing the end of its lifespan. The new satellite will support various communication services, including television, telecommunication, DTH, and VSAT services.
The launch of the CMS-03 satellite is part of India’s ambitious space program. The country is planning several other space missions, including the much-anticipated Gaganyaan mission, which intends to send Indian astronauts to space. The successful launch of the CMS-03 satellite, therefore, not only enhances India’s communication capabilities but also boosts the country’s confidence in executing future space missions.