ISRO's LVM3-M6 Rocket Successfully Launches BlueBird Block-2, India's Heaviest Commercial Payload to LEO

Historic Launch from Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a historic achievement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite. The mission, designated LVM3-M6, saw the heavy-lift launch vehicle lift off from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 8:55 AM IST. The satellite was precisely injected into its intended Low Earth Orbit (LEO) approximately 15 minutes after liftoff.

This mission represents the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 rocket and its third dedicated commercial mission, further solidifying India's growing presence in the global commercial space market.

BlueBird Block-2: A Game-Changer for Global Connectivity

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, owned by AST SpaceMobile, USA, is a next-generation communication satellite designed to revolutionize global mobile connectivity. Weighing an impressive 6,100 kg (approximately 6.5 tonnes), it stands as the heaviest commercial payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit by an LVM3 rocket from Indian soil.

The satellite's primary objective is to provide direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G cellular broadband connectivity to standard smartphones worldwide, eliminating the need for specialized antennas or hardware. This capability is expected to bridge the digital divide, offering connectivity in remote, rural, and disaster-affected regions.

Key features of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite include:

• Direct-to-Mobile Connectivity: Enables 4G and 5G services directly to standard smartphones.
• Global Coverage: Supports voice calls, video calls, text messaging, streaming, and internet data services across the globe.
• Massive Phased-Array Antenna: Carries a 223 square meter (2,400 sq ft) phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications antenna deployed in LEO.
• Part of a LEO Constellation: Integrates into AST SpaceMobile's broader network for universal mobile broadband.

LVM3-M6: India's Heavy-Lift Workhorse

The LVM3-M6, also known as the 'Bahubali' rocket or GSLV Mark III, is ISRO's operational heavy-lift launch vehicle. Standing 43.5 meters tall with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, it is a three-stage vehicle comprising two solid strap-on motors, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan lauded the mission's success, stating, 'This is the heaviest satellite to be launched by an Indian launcher in Indian soil.' He further highlighted that the LVM3 has demonstrated a '100 per cent success rate' and that the satellite was placed into a 518 km circular orbit, very close to the planned 520 km altitude.

Strengthening India's Space Prowess

The launch was facilitated through a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile. This successful mission underscores India's growing capabilities and reliability as a partner for high-value international satellite deployments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a 'significant stride in India's space sector' and a 'proud milestone' in the nation's space journey, emphasizing its role in strengthening India's heavy-lift launch capability and reinforcing its position in the global commercial launch market. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also congratulated Team ISRO, noting India's continuous advancements in space technology.