GSLV Mk-III, nicknamed ‘Bahubali,’ successfully places India’s largest communication satellite GSAT-24R in orbit, boosting national space and digital communication power.

Sriharikota, November 11, Tuesday, 2025

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic breakthrough on Tuesday with the successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-24R, aboard the GSLV Mk-III, popularly known as the ‘Bahubali’ rocket.

The powerful launcher lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying a 6,200 kg payload — the largest satellite ever deployed by an Indian rocket. Within 18 minutes of liftoff, the satellite was precisely placed in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), marking another proud moment in India’s expanding space journey.

ISRO Chairman: “A Defining Moment for India”

ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath described the mission as “a defining milestone for India’s space program.” He said, “Bahubali has once again proven India’s ability to handle heavy payloads with full precision. This launch strengthens our vision of a self-reliant space future.”

The successful deployment boosts India’s telecommunication and broadcasting capacity, enabling better internet coverage, digital services, and secure defense communication.

GSAT-24R: Strengthening India’s Digital Network

The GSAT-24R satellite, built by ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, will provide high-speed data and broadcasting services across India. It operates in the Ku-band frequency and offers a mission life of 15 years.

ISRO engineers say the satellite will help improve rural connectivity, DTH services, and broadband access, especially in remote and underconnected regions.

Why the ‘Bahubali’ Rocket Matters

The GSLV Mk-III (LVM3) rocket is called ‘Bahubali’ for its enormous strength and reliability. Standing 43.5 meters tall and weighing over 640 tonnes, it is India’s most powerful launcher.

It uses three stages — solid boosters, liquid propellants, and a cryogenic upper stage — to carry satellites heavier than 6 tonnes into orbit. This performance puts India among a select group of nations with heavy-lift launch capabilities.

ISRO has used the same rocket model for its major missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan test flights, cementing its place as India’s flagship vehicle for high-capacity missions.

Collaboration with NSIL: Public–Private Success

The GSAT-24R mission was executed in partnership with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial wing of the Department of Space. The company will lease the satellite’s bandwidth to multiple Indian service providers, ensuring cost-effective and reliable communication infrastructure.

NSIL Chairman P. Radhakrishnan said, “This collaboration reflects India’s strength in merging innovation, technology, and commercial space operations.”

Global Recognition for Indian Space Tech

Experts across the world have hailed the launch as a testament to India’s growing influence in space technology. “This mission proves India can handle large payloads with indigenous technology, a remarkable feat achieved by only a handful of countries,” said European space analyst Dr. Marcello Ruiz.

ISRO plans to build on this momentum with upcoming missions — including Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) and Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return).

National Pride and Public Reaction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists, calling the success “a symbol of India’s scientific excellence and determination.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“Proud of our ISRO team! The Bahubali rocket has taken India’s heaviest satellite to space — a giant leap in our communication and self-reliance goals.”

Social media platforms flooded with congratulatory messages using hashtags #ISRO, #BahubaliRocket, and #GSAT24RSuccess.

India’s Next Leap in Space

With GSAT-24R successfully orbiting, ISRO is preparing for more ambitious missions. The agency aims to launch multiple communication and navigation satellites in 2026 to expand its digital India vision and global launch services.

Aerospace expert Ankit Deshpande commented, “ISRO’s heavy-lift capability now rivals major global players. This launch will attract commercial contracts and boost India’s share in the international space market.”

As Bahubali’s flame faded into the sky, India’s space story grew brighter — powered by precision, innovation, and a vision to connect every corner of the nation.f Bahubali’s ascent, India once again proved that its space program — driven by precision, innovation, and resilience — is ready to compete with the best in the world.

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