GUWAHATI: ISRO's heavy-lift rocket LVM3-M6 successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday, December 24, carrying BlueBird Block-2, a next-generation communication satellite built by US-based company AST SpaceMobile.
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The 43.5-metre-tall rocket took off at 8.54 am from the second launch pad at the Space Centre. About 15 minutes after launch, the satellite separated from the rocket and was placed into its planned Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 520 km, ISRO said.
BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, marking a major milestone for India’s space programme. The mission highlights ISRO’s growing strength in launching large and complex payloads and boosts India’s standing in the global commercial launch market.
The satellite is designed to provide space-based mobile broadband services directly to regular smartphones, without the need for special equipment. It aims to improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas by sending signals straight from space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the launch an important achievement for India’s space sector. He said the mission strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reflects the country’s push towards self-reliance, while congratulating ISRO’s scientists and engineers for the successful launch.
The LVM3-M6 mission further underlines India’s role as a trusted partner for international satellite launches in the fast-growing global space industry.