ISRO launches LVM3-M6 Bluebird Block-2 mission from Sriharikota

Sriharikota/Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again made history. The Bluebird Block-2 mission was launched on Wednesday morning at around 8:54 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission involved the launch of the LVM-M6 rocket carrying a new generation communication satellite from the US. This is a commercial mission, in which the space agency launched 'Bluebird Block-2' using its heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6 from the second launch pad at 8:54 am.

Learn everything about this mission

The Bengaluru-based space agency stated that this 6100 kg communication satellite is the heaviest payload ever placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the launch history of LVM3. Before the launch of this mission, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 23. Previously, the heaviest payload was the LVM3-M5 communication satellite-03, which weighed approximately 4,400 kg and was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2.

To be deployed at an altitude of 600 kilometers

This mission, launched on Wednesday morning, is being conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited and US-based AST SpaceMobile. NSIL is the commercial unit of ISRO. It will be deployed at an altitude of 600 kilometers.

This historic mission will deploy a next-generation communications satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband service directly to smartphones worldwide.

Key highlights of the 'BlueBird Block-2' mission:

According to the Indian space agency, the 43.5-meter-tall MVM3 is a three-stage rocket. It is equipped with a cryogenic engine.

It was developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

To provide the high thrust required for launch, this launch vehicle is equipped with two S200 solid rocket boosters, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

The 'BlueBird Block-2' satellite is expected to separate from the rocket approximately 15 minutes after launch. It will be deployed at an altitude of 600 kilometers.

The objective of the BlueBird Block-2 mission is to provide direct mobile connectivity via satellite.

This network will provide 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services to everyone, anywhere in the world, anytime.

AST SpaceMobile launched five satellites, BlueBird-1 through 5, in September 2024, which are providing continuous internet coverage in the US and some other countries.

The company plans to launch more such satellites to strengthen its network and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.