BlueBird Block-2 mission: ISRO successfully launches LVM3-M6 rocket

At 8.55 a.m., the LVM3 lifted off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and 15 minutes later placed the satellite in the intended orbit.

ISRO accomplished two milestones with this mission as it was able to deploy the largest commercial communications satellite in low earth orbit and also the BlueBird Block-2 satellite became the heaviest payload (6,100 kgs.) to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

“LVM 3 Bahubali rocket M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the USA,” ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said.

Dr. Narayanan added that this is the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher.

“I am extremely happy to announce the performance of the orbit that we have got is less than two kilometers. This is one of the best performances of any launch vehicle in the global arena. With this mission India has successfully launched 434 satellites for 34 countries,” Dr. Narayanan added.

“Powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful. With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships. This increased capability and boost to self-reliance are wonderful for the coming generations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

The BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite is developed by AST SpaceMobile, USA and is part of a next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.

“BlueBird block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite . This constellation will enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data for everyone, everywhere, at all times. It features a 223m² phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit,” ISRO said.

Dr. Narayanan said that the LVM3-M6 mission was the 104^th launch from Sriharikota and also the ninth successful mission of the LVM-3 launch vehicle and the third dedicated commercial mission demonstrating its 100% reliability.

“As all of you recall we had the LVM-3 launch just last month on November 2, 2025. This is also the first time we have a back to back mission of LVM 3 within just 52 days. It is a great achievement and a great target achieved as per the vision of our honorable prime minister of India. This was not an easy task considering the enormous efforts required because it requires very close coordination among various teams at different ISRO centers,” Dr. Narayanan said.