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Post by : Meena Ariff
On December 24, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated a significant achievement with the launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite via its heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3).
The LVM3 lifted off promptly at 8:55 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’s second launch pad in Sriharikota, flawlessly inserting the satellite into its designated low Earth orbit just 15 minutes after takeoff, showcasing remarkable accuracy.
This mission heralded two major milestones for India's space endeavors. BlueBird Block-2 stands as the heaviest satellite launched by an Indian rocket, weighing in at 6,100 kilograms, and is also the largest commercial communications satellite to be positioned in low Earth orbit.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan indicated that the satellite was placed into orbit with an orbital deviation under two kilometers. He lauded the mission's precision as among the best by any launch vehicle worldwide, emphasizing that this mission marked India's inaugural dedicated commercial operation for a U.S.-based client.
With this launch, India has now successfully deployed 434 satellites on behalf of 34 countries, further establishing itself as a trusted provider of global launch services.
Developed by AST SpaceMobile in the USA, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a cutting-edge constellation aimed at delivering direct mobile satellite communication. This system promises to provide 4G and 5G services, facilitating voice, video calls, messaging, data, and streaming on standard smartphones without needing special devices.
The satellite is equipped with a vast 223-square-meter phased array antenna, making it the largest of its kind successfully deployed in low Earth orbit.
The LVM3-M6 mission is the 104th launch from Sriharikota and marks the ninth successful flight of the LVM3. It also represents the third dedicated commercial launch using LVM3, achieving a perfect success rate. Remarkably, this launch took place just 52 days following the last LVM3 mission on November 2, 2025, setting a record for back-to-back missions in such a short interval.
Officials noted that this milestone was accomplished through coordinated efforts across numerous ISRO teams, demonstrating the advancing capabilities of India's heavy-lift launch systems.
The LVM3-M6 mission solidifies India's preparedness for upcoming projects, including the uncrewed and crewed Gaganyaan missions, the enhancement of its commercial launch services, and deeper international collaborations in space exploration.
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