On November 2, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a landmark milestone with the successful launch of the CMS-03 satellite aboard its LVM3-M5 rocket, also referred to as the “Bahubali.” Weighing 4,410 kg, CMS-03 is the heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil, designed to enhance space-based communication for the Indian Navy, particularly over the Indian Ocean Region. This mission showcased significant advancements in India’s space capabilities, particularly the first-ever in-flight reignition of the CE-20 cryogenic engine, which allows for deploying satellites into multiple orbits in a single mission and represents a crucial step forward in ISRO’s technological prowess. The LVM3-M5 vehicle, with a total lift-off mass of 642 tons and standing 43.5 meters tall, effectively placed the CMS-03 satellite into its designated Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), marking the fifth consecutive successful flight of this operational launch vehicle and solidifying India’s self-reliance in advanced space technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The launch not only underscores ISRO’s growing capabilities in heavy-lift launches but also highlights India’s commitment to enhancing its defense communication infrastructures, thus reinforcing national security and operational readiness in maritime defense. This achievement resonates with broader geopolitical and defense strategies, demonstrating India’s increasing autonomy and innovation in space technology, critical for maintaining a strategic edge in an evolving security landscape.