In a significant milestone for India's commercial space endeavors, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched a next-generation American communication satellite on Wednesday morning. The mission, designated LVM3-M6, carried the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for US-based firm AST SpaceMobile, marking a new chapter in dedicated commercial launches for the space agency.
A Flawless Launch from Sriharikota
The 43.5-metre-tall Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), ISRO's most powerful rocket, roared to life at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The lift-off followed the smooth completion of a 24-hour countdown. The vehicle, powered by its two massive S200 solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage, performed impeccably throughout its flight sequence.
Approximately 15 minutes after launch, the mission achieved its primary objective. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite was cleanly separated and injected into its intended Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of roughly 520 kilometers. This successful deployment prompted ISRO to officially declare the LVM3-M6 mission a complete success.
A Historic Payload and Its Purpose
This mission holds a special distinction in the history of the LVM3 rocket. The BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit by an LVM3 vehicle, making this a first-of-its-kind achievement for the Indian launch vehicle. The satellite is a crucial component of AST SpaceMobile's ambitious plan to build a global LEO constellation.
The constellation aims to revolutionize mobile connectivity by providing direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G services. This technology promises to enable standard smartphones, without any need for specialized hardware, to access voice calls, video streaming, messaging, and data services directly from space, potentially bridging connectivity gaps worldwide.
Commercial Partnerships and Proven Heritage
The launch was executed through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, as part of a dedicated agreement with AST SpaceMobile. This underscores India's growing role in the global commercial satellite launch market.
ISRO noted that this mission marked the sixth operational flight of the reliable LVM3. The vehicle boasts an impressive heritage, having previously launched landmark Indian missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, along with multiple batches of satellites for the OneWeb constellation. The success of LVM3-M6 further solidifies the rocket's reputation as a robust and versatile workhorse for both national and international customers.
