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ISRO Starts Countdown for LVM3-M5 Launch of 4.4‑Tonne CMS-03 on Nov. 2

The mission advances India’s launch autonomy by fielding a heavier military communications payload from its own spaceport.

Overview

  • Liftoff is slated for 5:26 pm IST on November 2 from Sriharikota, with an ascent of about 16 minutes to injection.
  • At roughly 4,410 kg, CMS-03 will be the heaviest communications satellite launched from Indian soil, entering a 170 km × ~29,970 km sub-GTO before weeks of orbit-raising.
  • The LVM3-M5 is a three-stage vehicle with twin S200 boosters, an L110 liquid core and a C25 cryogenic upper stage, flying its eighth mission and fifth operational flight.
  • Designated GSAT-7R, the satellite is built primarily for the Indian Navy to replace GSAT-7 and expand secure voice, data and video links across maritime and shore assets.
  • ISRO reports that integration and rollout to the second launch pad are complete and a 24-hour countdown has begun with all systems go.