BlueBird Block-2: ISRO's heaviest rocket carrying US communication satellite lifts off

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched LVM3-M6 rocket, carrying United States' new generation BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite. Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite is the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history, the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said.

The satellite was successfully placed by LVM3-M6 in its intended orbit after the launch.

The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg that was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).


Wednesday's mission was undertaken as part of the commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). NewSpace India Ltd is the commercial arm of ISRO.

The historic mission would deploy the next generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, which is accessible directly by smartphones and designed for both commercial and government applications.

According to the Indian space agency, the 43.5 metre tall LVM3, also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, is a three stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

The vehicle used two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the huge amount of thrust that was required for liftoff. The booster was developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite.

This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. It features a 223 m 2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite every deployed into low Earth Orbit, about 600 km altitude.

AST SpaceMobile had launched five satellites, BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024 which provide continuous internet coverage across the United States and other select countries.

The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.