Sriharikota: The 24-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO’s LVM3-M6 rocket began on Tuesday, marking preparations for a dedicated commercial mission that will place a next-generation US communication satellite into low Earth orbit.
The heavy-lift launch vehicle is scheduled to lift off at 8.54 am on Wednesday from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The mission will carry the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft, developed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband connectivity directly to smartphones across the globe.
Weighing around 6,100 kg, the satellite will become the heaviest payload ever deployed into low Earth orbit by the LVM3 launcher. ISRO said the earlier record was held by the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite-03, which weighed about 4,400 kg and was launched successfully in November.
The mission is being executed under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile. The satellite forms part of AST SpaceMobile’s planned space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity for both commercial and government users.
ISRO stated that the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 rocket, also known as Gaganyaan-class GSLV Mk-III, is a three-stage launch vehicle equipped with a cryogenic upper stage developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The rocket uses two S200 solid strap-on boosters developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre to generate the thrust required at liftoff.
About 15 minutes after launch, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is expected to separate from the launch vehicle and enter its intended orbit at an altitude of nearly 600 km.
According to AST SpaceMobile, the satellite features a massive 223 square metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit. The constellation aims to support 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data services globally, including in remote and underserved regions.
Ahead of the mission, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 23 to offer prayers for the success of the launch.
AST SpaceMobile had earlier launched five BlueBird satellites in September 2024 to provide continuous coverage in the United States and select international markets. The company plans further launches to expand its network and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.
