Sriharikota: In a remarkable display of precision and power, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully launched its heavyweight rocket LVM3-M5, popularly called Bahubali, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The mission marked another milestone for India’s space programme as it carried GSAT-7R, the country’s heaviest indigenous communication satellite weighing 4,410 kilograms, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The 43.5-metre-tall rocket lifted off at 5:26 pm after a 24-hour countdown, leaving behind a trail of bright orange flames as it powered into the sky from the second launch pad, about 135 km from Chennai. The satellite separated from the launch vehicle about 16–20 minutes into the flight at an altitude of approximately 180 kilometres, ISRO confirmed.

A Major Step for India’s Heavy-Lift Capability

LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), also known as GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO’s most powerful operational rocket and is capable of placing 4,000 kg-class spacecraft into GTO and 8,000 kg payloads into low-Earth orbit. The three-stage vehicle consists of two S200 solid strap-on boosters, an L110 liquid core stage powered by twin Vikas engines, and an advanced C25 cryogenic upper stage—all developed indigenously.

Sunday’s launch marked the fifth operational flight of LVM3. The rocket has maintained a flawless record since its first developmental mission, the LVM3-X/CARE flight in December 2014.

Its success cements India’s complete self-reliance in launching heavier communication satellites, reducing dependence on foreign launchers.

The same launch vehicle, when human-rated, will power the upcoming Gaganyaan mission that aims to send Indian astronauts into space.

GSAT-7R: Strengthening India’s Maritime Command

The GSAT-7R satellite, developed entirely in India, represents a major technological leap for the Indian Navy’s communication and surveillance network. Designed for real-time, secure, and high-speed connectivity, it will provide seamless communication across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), covering ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operations Centres.

Equipped with multi-band transponders and next-generation components, GSAT-7R will support voice, data, and video links even under challenging operational and weather conditions.

It will integrate India’s growing network of maritime assets, significantly enhancing command-and-control and situational awareness capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.

By offering uninterrupted communication across surface, sub-surface, and aerial platforms, the satellite is expected to act as a force multiplier for the Navy’s strategic missions.

National Pride and Leadership Congratulate ISRO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists for the successful launch, calling it a testament to India’s growing expertise in advanced space technology and its commitment to strengthening national security.

With the successful deployment of GSAT-7R, India has not only reaffirmed its space prowess but also taken a decisive step toward independent, secure, and high-capacity naval communication—a cornerstone for future maritime dominance in the region.