The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday successfully launched its heavy-lift rocket LVM3-M6, placing the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into its designated Low Earth Orbit, marking another major milestone in India’s growing commercial space capabilities.
The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, with the rocket lifting off smoothly and completing all mission objectives as planned. ISRO later confirmed that the satellite was accurately injected into orbit, and the mission was declared a complete success.
BlueBird Block-2 has been developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile and is part of a next-generation satellite constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile broadband connectivity, including 4G and 5G services, even in remote and underserved regions of the world without ground-based network infrastructure.
Weighing over 6,000 kg, the satellite is among the heaviest commercial payloads ever launched by ISRO, highlighting the enhanced lift capability and reliability of the LVM3 launch vehicle, also known as Gaganyaan-class rocket. The mission was carried out under a commercial agreement facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm.
This was the sixth operational flight of the LVM3, further strengthening India’s reputation as a dependable and cost-effective launch service provider in the global space market. The successful deployment of BlueBird Block-2 also underscores ISRO’s growing role in launching large commercial satellites for international clients.
Senior ISRO officials hailed the mission as a significant step forward for India’s space programme, particularly in the domain of commercial launches and advanced communication technologies. The success is expected to open new opportunities for ISRO and NSIL in the competitive global satellite launch sector.
The LVM3-M6 mission adds to a series of recent achievements by ISRO, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in the international space arena.
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