In a landmark Christmas Eve mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched a next-generation US communication satellite using its heaviest rocket, the LVM3-M6.
The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M6 lifted off at 8.54 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. After a flight of around 15 minutes, the rocket precisely placed the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into its designated Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The mission was carried out under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science LLC). ISRO confirmed that the satellite was successfully deployed into its intended orbit.
Weighing 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit by the LVM3 from Indian soil. The earlier record was held by the LVM3-M5 mission, which launched a 4,400-kg communication satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit in November this year.
The mission aims to deploy a next-generation satellite designed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones. AST SpaceMobile is developing the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network that enables direct connectivity to standard smartphones, catering to both commercial and government users.
Also known as the GSLV-Mk III, the LVM3 is a three-stage launch vehicle equipped with a cryogenic upper stage developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The rocket uses two powerful S200 solid rocket boosters, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, to generate the thrust required for liftoff.
The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation aimed at providing direct-to-mobile connectivity worldwide. The constellation will support 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services anywhere and at any time. Each satellite features a massive 223-square-metre phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of about 520 km.
AST SpaceMobile had earlier launched five satellites—BlueBird 1 to 5—in September 2024, providing continuous coverage across the United States and select other regions. The company plans further launches to expand network capacity and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators globally.
The LVM3-M6 mission marks the sixth operational flight of ISRO’s LVM3 rocket and its third dedicated commercial mission for launching BlueBird Block-2 satellites.