The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft of US-based AST SpaceMobile using its heavy-lift LVM3-M6 rocket, also called the ‘Baahubali’ rocket. The launch, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 8:55 am Wednesday, marks a major milestone for ISRO’s commercial space ambitions.
Record-Breaking Payload
Weighing 6,100 kg, Bluebird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ISRO has ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the LVM3. The previous record was held by the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite-03, which weighed around 4,400 kg and was launched in November 2022. The satellite was successfully inserted into its designated orbit, demonstrating the rocket’s high payload capacity.
National Leaders Hail the Achievement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the launch, calling it a significant stride for India’s space sector and a reflection of efforts toward an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He congratulated the ISRO team for placing the heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil into orbit. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh also lauded the launch, highlighting ISRO’s continued record of successes under the support of the government.
Commercial Significance
The mission was executed under a commercial agreement between ISRO’s NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is part of a constellation designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones globally, supporting 4G and 5G voice, video, messaging, streaming, and data services without relying on traditional ground stations.
About the LVM3 Rocket
The LVM3, or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, is a three-stage heavy-lift rocket standing 43.5 meters tall and weighing around 640 tonnes. It combines solid, liquid, and cryogenic propulsion stages:
- S200 Solid Strap-On Boosters: Two powerful solid rockets developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre provide the massive thrust required at lift-off.
- L110 Liquid Core Stage: Uses hypergolic liquid fuel for controlled acceleration after booster separation.
- C25 Cryogenic Upper Stage: Burns supercooled liquid oxygen and hydrogen, ensuring high efficiency and precise orbital insertion.
The LVM3 has previously launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and multiple OneWeb missions, placing dozens of satellites into orbit and demonstrating India’s advanced launch capabilities.
Global Connectivity Through Bluebird Block-2
Bluebird Block-2 is the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in LEO so far. Developed by AST SpaceMobile, it aims to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity worldwide, enabling standard smartphones to access high-speed voice, video, and data services across the globe.
