ISRO’s LVM3 Launches Heaviest Payload Ever

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft of US-based AST SpaceMobile aboard its heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6, marking a major milestone in India’s commercial space programme. The launch took place at 8.55 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The mission is significant as BlueBird Block-2, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by ISRO’s LVM3 rocket. The satellite was later successfully injected into its intended orbit, confirming the success of the mission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO on the achievement, describing the launch as a proud moment in India’s space journey. He said the successful placement of the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil reflects India’s growing capabilities in space technology and aligns with the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of India’s scientists and engineers, saying the country continues to soar higher in the global space sector.

Union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology Dr Jitendra Singh also congratulated the ISRO team, stating that the space agency continues to achieve one success after another. He credited the launch to strong leadership support and highlighted India’s expanding prowess in space technology.

The BlueBird Block-2 mission is being carried out under a commercial agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and AST SpaceMobile. The launch sets a new benchmark for the LVM3 vehicle, surpassing the previous payload record of around 4,400 kg held by the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite-03 mission launched in November.

Beyond the payload milestone, the mission is important for its technological objective. BlueBird Block-2 is part of AST SpaceMobile’s plan to deploy a next-generation communication satellite aimed at providing high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones across the world. The space-based network is designed for both commercial and government use and will support 4G and 5G services, including voice and video calls, messaging, streaming and data connectivity.

The LVM3, also known as the GSLV Mk III, is a 43.5-metre-tall, three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO. It is powered by a cryogenic engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre and is equipped with two S200 solid rocket boosters built by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, which provide the thrust required for lift-off.

The heavy-lift rocket has previously been used for key national missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and two OneWeb launches that together placed 72 satellites into orbit, further underlining its reliability and strategic importance.