In a landmark event that underscores India’s growing dominance in the commercial space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest payload to date from Indian soil. On Wednesday morning, the LVM3-M6 rocket, affectionately dubbed “Bahubali” for its formidable lifting capability, soared into the sky from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite.
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The mission, which lifted off precisely at 8:55 AM IST, is a dedicated commercial venture executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for the US-based client AST SpaceMobile. The payload, weighing approximately 6,100 kg, represents a significant leap in India’s heavy-lift capabilities. It is not only the heaviest satellite ever launched by the LVM3 into Low Earth Orbit but also the largest commercial communications spacecraft deployed in this orbit globally.
The atmosphere at the spaceport was electric as the 43.5-meter-tall rocket cleared the launch pad, powered by its twin solid strap-on motors. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the rocket injected the satellite into its intended 520 km orbit with remarkable precision. This success marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and its ninth consecutive successful mission, maintaining a flawless track record for the vehicle.
Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, highlighted the precision of the mission during the post-launch address. He stated that the LVM3-M6 successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. He further noted that this is the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher and described the performance as one of the best accuracies achieved by any launcher in the world.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a next-generation constellation designed to revolutionize global connectivity. It aims to provide space-based cellular broadband directly to standard mobile smartphones, enabling 4G and 5G services without the need for specialized hardware. This technology promises to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a proud moment for the nation. In a statement following the success, he remarked that the successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey. He emphasized that the mission reinforces India’s role in the global commercial launch market and strengthens its heavy-lift capabilities.
This mission is particularly significant as it demonstrates ISRO’s ability to execute complex commercial launches with rapid turnaround times. Coming just 52 days after the previous LVM3 mission, it showcases a robustness in operations that is essential for competing with global players like SpaceX. As India prepares for its ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, the reliability of the LVM3 vehicle serves as a major confidence booster for the entire scientific community.
