Historic Lift-Off: ISRO Successfully Launches BlueBird Block-2 Satellite on LVM3-M6 Mission

In a major milestone for India’s space ambitions and the global commercial space market, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite aboard its heavy-lift LVM3-M6 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This launch marks the heaviest commercial payload ever carried by India’s LVM3 rocket, underscoring ISRO’s rising prominence as a reliable international launch provider. 

 Mission Overview: Setting New Records

The LVM3-M6 vehicle, also known as the “Bahubali” rocket, lifted off at 8:55 AM IST after a meticulously planned 24-hour countdown. The rocket carried the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, developed by U.S. firm AST SpaceMobile, into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), successfully separating the payload approximately 15 minutes after liftoff. 

Weighing approximately 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is now the heaviest payload ever deployed by LVM3, surpassing the previous record of around 4,400 kg. The mission also represents the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and the third dedicated commercial launch under ISRO’s capabilities. 

 Satellite Purpose: Global Connectivity

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is designed to be part of a next-generation low Earth orbit constellation aimed at providing direct-to-mobile broadband connectivity. It can support 4G and 5G cellular services, including voice calls, messaging, video streaming, and high-speed data access directly to standard smartphones—even in remote and underserved regions—without the need for specialized ground infrastructure. 

The spacecraft’s large 223-square-meter phased-array antenna enables powerful direct-to-device communications, making it an important technological demonstrator for future space-based mobile networks. 

IN Strategic Impact and International Collaboration

This mission was conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, and AST SpaceMobile of the United States. The successful deployment showcases ISRO’s growing capacity to handle heavy commercial launches for global clients, reinforcing India’s position in the global space launch market. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement, calling the successful launch and orbital placement “a proud milestone” in India’s space journey and a testament to the nation’s expanding technological capabilities. 

The Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M6

The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) is ISRO’s most powerful operational rocket, featuring a three-stage configuration that includes two S200 solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. With a height of 43.5 meters and a lift-off mass exceeding 600 tonnes, LVM3 has become a cornerstone of India’s heavy-lift and commercial launch portfolio.

Originally developed to carry Indian national and scientific missions—including Chandrayaan lunar missions and OneWeb satellite deployments—LVM3 is now demonstrating its versatility in international commercial services.