The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the LVM3-M6 mission on Wednesday, carrying and deploying the Bluebird Block-2 communication satellite of AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company, into Earth’s orbit. This marks a significant milestone in India’s commercial launch program.
ISRO’s LVM3-M6 vehicle was launched at 8:55 AM on Wednesday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. This mission is the ninth operational flight of ISRO’s heavy-lift LVM3 rocket and is being conducted as a dedicated commercial launch. ISRO had commenced the 24-hour countdown for this mission on Tuesday, December 23rd.
Heaviest Payload Launched to LEO by LVM3
Notably, the Bluebird Block-2, weighing approximately 6,100 kg, has become the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the LVM3 launch vehicle. This surpasses the previous record of approximately 4,400 kg set during the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission in November.
This mission was conducted under a commercial agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and AST SpaceMobile. Following the mission’s success, ISRO Chairman, Dr. S. Somanath, stated, “The Bluebird Block-2 communication satellite is the heaviest payload ever carried by the LVM3. This is the 104th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. It is also the ninth successful flight of the heavy-lift LVM3 rocket.”
What is the Bluebird Block-2 Satellite?
According to ISRO, the Bluebird Block-2 is part of a next-generation satellite constellation designed to provide direct space-based cellular broadband connectivity to standard smartphones. This satellite is equipped with a 223-square-meter phased-array antenna and will be placed in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 km.
These specifications make it the largest commercial communication satellite to date. According to PTI, the goal of this satellite constellation is to support 4G and 5G services, including voice, video, messaging, and data, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Previously, in September 2024, AST SpaceMobile launched five Bluebird satellites to provide coverage to parts of the United States and other select regions.
