ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ rocket places 6,000-kg US communication sat into orbit
The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global low earth orbit constellation aimed at enabling 4G and 5G voice and video calls, text messaging, streaming and data services worldwide, at all times
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ‘Bahubali’ rocket on Wednesday successfully launched a 6,100-kg US communications satellite, the heaviest payload carried by an Indian launcher, into the desired orbit.
As part of the mission, LVM3-M6, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its heavylift capability, placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into low earth orbit (LEO). It is the largest commercial communications satellite to be deployed in LEO. The satellite belongs to a next-generation BlueBird Block-2 constellation designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.
The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global low earth orbit constellation aimed at enabling 4G and 5G voice and video calls, text messaging, streaming and data services worldwide, at all times.
The mission was a dedicated commercial launch aboard ISRO’s LVM3 launch vehicle, which placed the satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile into orbit. It marked the sixth operational mission of the LVM3.
Developed by ISRO, LVM3 is a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle comprising two solid strap-on motors (S200), a liquid core stage (L110) and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). In earlier missions, the vehicle successfully launched Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. The previous LVM3 mission — LVM3-M5 carrying the CMS-03 satellite — was successfully conducted on November 2.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the mission was the first dedicated commercial launch undertaken by India for a US customer. “This is our 104th launch from Sriharikota and the ninth successful mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle, demonstrating its 100 per cent reliability,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the launch as a significant stride in India’s space sector. “The successful LVM3-M6 launch marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey. It strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market. This is also reflective of our efforts towards an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Congratulations to our hardworking space scientists and engineers. India continues to soar higher in the world of space,” he said.
The PM added that powered by India’s youth, the country’s space programme was becoming increasingly advanced and impactful. “With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundation for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships. This enhanced capability and boost to self-reliance will benefit generations to come,” Modi said.
