In a thrilling reveal for space enthusiasts, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday treated the world to a rare visual spectacle: onboard camera footage from its heaviest rocket, the LVM3-M6. The video provides a breathtaking rocket's-eye view of the entire mission, from liftoff to the successful deployment of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite.
A Stunning Visual Journey from Liftoff to Orbit
The footage, shared by ISRO on the social media platform X, was captured by cameras mounted on the launch vehicle. It meticulously documents each critical phase of the ascent. The sequence begins with the powerful 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 rocket, nicknamed 'Bahubali', lifting off at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Viewers can then witness the dramatic separation of the twin S200 solid strap-on boosters, followed by the staging of the L110 liquid core stage. The video also captures the jettisoning of the payload fairing, revealing the satellite to the vacuum of space, before culminating in the successful separation of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Mission Success: A "Season's Gift" to the Nation
This visual record was created during ISRO's flawless commercial launch earlier in the day. The mission successfully placed the next-generation US communication satellite, built for AST SpaceMobile, into a precise orbit. Approximately 15 minutes after launch, the 6,100 kg satellite was injected into an orbit at an altitude of about 520 km.
The launch followed a 24-hour countdown and saw the three-stage LVM3, with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, perform all events exactly as planned. ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan hailed the mission's success as a "season's gift" to the country. Designated LVM3-M6, this flight marked the sixth operational journey for the reliable LVM3 vehicle, which has previously launched prestigious missions like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two batches of OneWeb satellites.
BlueBird Block-2: Pioneering Direct-to-Mobile Connectivity
The deployed satellite, BlueBird Block-2, is a significant component of a Low Earth Orbit constellation being developed by the US-based company AST SpaceMobile. The satellite's primary function is to enable direct-to-mobile connectivity, bypassing traditional ground infrastructure.
This technology is designed to provide seamless 4G and 5G services—including voice and video calls, text messaging, streaming, and data—directly to standard mobile smartphones across the globe, potentially bridging connectivity gaps in remote areas.
With this successful mission, ISRO has not only demonstrated the continued reliability of its heavy-lift workhorse but also provided an unprecedented glimpse into the dynamic process of launching satellites, strengthening India's position in the global commercial space launch market.
