India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3 achieved another major milestone with the successful deployment of the BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite into low Earth orbit during an early morning launch from Sriharikota. The mission marked the rocket’s sixth operational flight and its third dedicated commercial assignment, further strengthening India’s position in the global satellite launch market.
Weighing approximately 6,100 kilograms, BlueBird Block-2 became the heaviest satellite ever launched by an Indian rocket from Indian territory. According to ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, the satellite was placed into an orbit of about 518.5 kilometers, closely matching the planned altitude of 520 kilometers. The precision of the insertion highlighted the reliability and accuracy of the LVM3 launch system.
Standing 43.5 meters tall and weighing around 640 tonnes at liftoff, the LVM3 rocket lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Roughly 16 minutes after launch, the satellite was successfully injected into a circular low Earth orbit with an inclination of 53 degrees. This mission also marked the first time ISRO conducted two LVM3 launches within a span of just 52 days, reflecting improved operational readiness.
The mission, officially designated LVM3-M6, was carried out under a commercial contract between NewSpace India Limited, ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST & Science LLC. With this launch, ISRO has now deployed 434 satellites for 34 different countries, underscoring India’s growing role as a trusted launch partner for international clients.
BlueBird Block-2 is a key component of a planned global satellite constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile connectivity. The satellite carries a massive 223-square-meter phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever placed in low Earth orbit. Once fully operational, the constellation is expected to support 4G and 5G services, including voice calls, video calls, streaming, messaging, and data access directly on standard mobile devices.
This successful mission reinforces ISRO’s commercial launch capabilities and highlights India’s expanding footprint in advanced satellite deployment and space-based communication infrastructure.
