The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another major milestone in its heavy-lift launch programme with the successful deployment of the US-built BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite. The mission, conducted on December 24 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, reinforces India’s growing reputation as a reliable and competitive player in the global commercial launch market.

The launch marked the sixth operational flight of ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, also known as “Baahubali”, showcasing its proven capability to place large and complex payloads into low Earth orbit.

LVM3 Lifts Off from Sriharikota with Precision and Reliability

The 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 rocket lifted off at 8:55 am, powered by two massive solid strap-on boosters, followed by a liquid core stage and a cryogenic upper stage. With a total lift-off mass of around 640 tonnes, the heavy-lift launcher ascended smoothly, completing its powered flight in approximately 15 minutes.

At the end of the mission sequence, the rocket precisely injected the 6,100-kilogram BlueBird Block-2 satellite into a 520-kilometre low Earth orbit, confirming nominal performance across all stages.

Understanding the LVM3 Rocket and Its Mission Heritage

The LVM3 is ISRO’s most powerful operational launch vehicle, designed specifically to carry heavy payloads to low Earth orbit and geostationary transfer orbit. Its three-stage configuration combines high thrust, structural stability, and advanced cryogenic technology.

Over the years, the LVM3 has successfully supported several landmark missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and multiple OneWeb satellite launches. The rocket’s previous mission, which carried the CMS-03 communications satellite, was completed successfully on November 2, 2025. With this latest mission designated LVM3-M6, the launcher continues to demonstrate consistent reliability for both national and commercial payloads.

BlueBird Block-2: A Next-Generation Communications Satellite

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite has been developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile as part of its ambitious space-based cellular broadband network. Weighing approximately 6.1 tonnes, it is the heaviest communications satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit by the LVM3 rocket.

Once fully operational in its 520 km orbit, the satellite is designed to enable direct 4G and 5G connectivity between standard smartphones and space-based infrastructure. Unlike traditional satellite communication systems, this network aims to deliver voice, video, and data services without requiring specialised ground equipment, expanding coverage to remote and underserved regions.

Commercial Launch Highlights India’s Growing Global Role

The mission was executed on a purely commercial basis through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. This launch underscores India’s expanding role in the global space launch services industry, particularly in catering to international customers seeking cost-effective and dependable access to orbit.

By successfully launching one of the heaviest commercial satellites in low Earth orbit, ISRO has strengthened its position as a trusted launch partner for next-generation satellite constellations.

Strategic Importance of the Mission

The successful deployment of BlueBird Block-2 highlights several strategic achievements for India’s space programme. It validates the LVM3’s capability for high-mass commercial missions, demonstrates ISRO’s maturity in executing international contracts, and reinforces confidence in India’s launch infrastructure.

As global demand rises for satellite-based connectivity and broadband services, missions like this position ISRO and NSIL as key contributors to the future of space-enabled communication.

Conclusion

The successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite aboard ISRO’s LVM3 rocket marks another significant chapter in India’s space journey. With flawless execution, advanced launch technology, and growing commercial engagement, ISRO continues to strengthen its standing in the global space ecosystem.

As satellite communication networks evolve and demand for heavy-lift launch services increases, the LVM3 is set to play a critical role in shaping India’s future as a leading space launch destination.