ISRO launches world's largest commercial communication satellite
What's the story
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its LVM3-M6 rocket carrying the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The mission was conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and carried the communications satellite for US-based company AST SpaceMobile. The launch strengthens LVM3's growing position as India's heavy-lift "Bahubali" rocket due to its immense power and weight.
Rocket details
LVM3: ISRO's most powerful launch vehicle
The LVM3 is a three-stage rocket with two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. It stands tall at 43.5 meters and weighs 640 tons at lift-off. The rocket has already successfully launched several important missions including OneWeb broadband satellites (carrying a total of 72 satellites) and Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.
Satellite launch
BlueBird Block-2: A milestone in commercial communications
The LVM3-M6 mission will place the 6,100-kilogram BlueBird Block-2 satellite into a 520km circular orbit. This is the first satellite of its size and complexity to be placed in low Earth orbit (LEO) and also the heaviest payload ever launched by ISRO. The BlueBird Block-2 is one of the largest commercial communications satellites in LEO and aims to provide space-based cellular broadband directly to standard mobile phones across the globe.
Future missions
LVM3's role in India's human spaceflight effort
Apart from its commercial significance, the LVM3 is also crucial for India's human spaceflight program. The same launch vehicle will be used for upcoming test missions under Gaganyaan, with uncrewed flights planned to validate human-mission systems before astronauts are launched into orbit. With eight successful consecutive missions, ISRO's LVM3 has maintained an impeccable track record.