Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched its heaviest foreign satellite to date, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing commercial space capabilities.
The satellite, BlueBird Block-2, weighing about 6,100 kg, was carried into space aboard the LVM3-M6 launch vehicle and precisely injected into Low Earth Orbit. Developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, it is the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in this orbit and is designed to enable direct cellular broadband connectivity to standard smartphones from space.
The mission was conducted as a dedicated commercial launch, underscoring ISRO’s expanding role as a reliable global launch service provider. BlueBird Block-2 is part of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellite constellation aimed at enhancing mobile connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
With this launch, the LVM3 completed its sixth operational flight. ISRO’s heavy-lift rocket, the LVM3, features a three-stage configuration that includes twin solid strap-on boosters, a liquid-fuelled core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. The vehicle has previously been used for several high-profile missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb launches that together deployed 72 satellites.
ISRO officials noted that the successful deployment further validates the LVM3’s capability to handle complex and heavy payloads for both national and international clients. The previous mission of the launch vehicle, LVM3-M5 carrying the CMS-03 satellite, was completed successfully on November 2.
The launch is seen as another step forward for India’s commercial space ambitions, strengthening its position in the global satellite launch market while showcasing the maturity of its heavy-lift launch systems.
