ISRO’s LVM3 Successfully Launches Heaviest BlueBird Block-2 Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on Wednesday morning, December 24, 2025, with the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite using its heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3).

The LVM3 rocket lifted off at 8:55 a.m. from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Within 15 minutes of launch, the rocket accurately placed the satellite into its intended low Earth orbit, demonstrating exceptional mission precision.

This mission marked two historic achievements for India’s space programme. BlueBird Block-2 became the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit and, at 6,100 kilograms, the heaviest satellite launched by an Indian rocket from Indian soil.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed that the satellite was injected into orbit with remarkable accuracy, with orbital deviation of less than two kilometres. He described the performance as one of the best achieved by any launch vehicle globally. He also noted that this was the first dedicated commercial mission carried out by India for a customer based in the United States.

With this launch, India has now successfully placed 434 satellites into orbit for 34 different countries, further strengthening its position as a reliable global launch service provider.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite has been developed by AST SpaceMobile, USA, and is part of a next-generation constellation designed to provide direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity. The system aims to deliver space-based 4G and 5G services, enabling voice calls, video calls, messaging, data, and streaming directly on standard smartphones without the need for specialized equipment.

The satellite features a massive 223-square-metre phased array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit.

This mission was the 104th launch conducted from Sriharikota and the ninth successful flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle. It was also the third dedicated commercial mission of LVM3, maintaining a 100 percent success record. Notably, the launch took place just 52 days after the previous LVM3 mission on November 2, 2025, marking the first-ever back-to-back LVM3 missions within such a short timeframe.

Officials highlighted that the achievement required close coordination among multiple teams across ISRO centres and reflected the growing maturity of India’s heavy-lift launch capabilities.

The successful LVM3-M6 mission further strengthens India’s readiness for future projects, including the uncrewed and crewed Gaganyaan missions, expansion of commercial launch services, and deeper international cooperation in space exploration.