ISRO's LVM3-M6 Rocket Achieves Milestone by Launching US Communication Satellite

Historic Launch on Christmas Eve

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): On a momentous Christmas Eve, ISRO successfully launched its most powerful rocket, the LVM3-M6, which placed a US communication satellite into orbit on Wednesday.

The Bengaluru-based space organization confirmed that the LVM3-M6 effectively positioned the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its designated orbit.

This mission is part of a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network aimed at providing direct mobile connectivity via satellite, facilitating 4G and 5G voice and video calls, text messaging, streaming, and data access for users worldwide.

The launch was executed under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company.

NewSpace India serves as the commercial division of ISRO.

The towering 43.5-meter rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at 8:54 AM on Wednesday.

Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the Bluebird Block-2 successfully detached from the launch vehicle and entered orbit.

Weighing in at 6,100 kg, this communication satellite marks the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the LVM3 from Indian territory, according to ISRO.

Previously, the heaviest payload was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, which weighed around 4,400 kg and was launched on November 2 into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

This mission aims to deploy a next-generation satellite designed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones.

AST SpaceMobile is developing the first and only space-based cellular broadband network that can be accessed directly by smartphones, catering to both commercial and governmental needs.

The LVM3-M6, also referred to as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-MkIII), is a three-stage rocket featuring a cryogenic engine, engineered by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

To achieve the necessary thrust for liftoff, the vehicle employs two S200 solid rocket boosters, which were developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

AST SpaceMobile has already launched five satellites, Bluebird 1-5, in September 2024, providing continuous coverage across the United States and select other nations.

The company plans to launch additional satellites to enhance its network and has formed partnerships with over 50 mobile operators globally.

The LVM3-M6 represents the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and the third dedicated commercial mission for the Bluebird Block-2 satellite.

The LVM3 has an impressive track record, having completed eight consecutive successful launches, including the notable Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.