The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on Wednesday morning as its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into low Earth orbit. The heavy-lift rocket lifted off at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and precisely injected the satellite into its intended orbit around 15 minutes later.
The mission marked two significant firsts for India’s space programme. BlueBird Block-2 became the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit and the heaviest payload, weighing 6,100 kg, to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.
ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan said the mission demonstrated the growing reliability and precision of India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle. “The LVM3 Bahubali rocket has successfully and accurately injected the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into the intended orbit. The achieved orbit accuracy is within two kilometers, which is among the best performances globally,” he said. This was also the first dedicated commercial launch by ISRO for a customer from the United States.
With this mission, India has now launched 434 satellites for 34 countries, further strengthening its position in the global commercial launch market. Dr Narayanan added that the LVM3-M6 mission was the 104th launch from Sriharikota, the ninth successful mission of the LVM3 vehicle, and its third dedicated commercial flight, underlining its 100 per cent success record so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement, noting that the performance of LVM3 enhances India’s self-reliance in space technology. In a post on X, he said the mission reflects the strength of India’s youth-driven space programme and boosts capabilities for future projects such as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, expanded commercial launches, and deeper global partnerships.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite has been developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile and is part of a next-generation constellation aimed at providing space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard smartphones. According to ISRO, the satellite features a massive 223 square metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in low Earth orbit. The constellation is designed to enable direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data services anywhere on the planet.
Dr Narayanan also highlighted the operational achievement behind the mission, noting that it was the first time ISRO conducted back-to-back LVM3 launches within a span of just 52 days. “This required close coordination among multiple ISRO centers and enormous effort from our teams. It is a major achievement aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision for India’s space sector,” he said.
The successful launch of BlueBird Block-2 further cements ISRO’s role as a trusted player in the global space industry and showcases India’s growing capability in executing complex, high-value commercial space missions.
