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News Topical, Digital Desk : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the world's largest commercial communications satellite, Bluebird Block-2, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The countdown for the launch of the LVM-M6 rocket, carrying a new-generation communications satellite from the US, began on Tuesday. This commercial mission of ISRO launched at 8:55 am and 30 seconds. PM Modi has also congratulated on the successful launch of this mission.
PM Modi congratulated
PM Modi wrote on social media, “Powered by India's youth, our space program is becoming more advanced and effective. With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundation for future missions like Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services, and deepening global partnerships. This increased capability and boost to self-reliance is great for generations to come.”
What is 'Bluebird Block-2'
ISRO said that this communication satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload ever launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) in LVM3's launch history. The previous heaviest payload was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite-03, weighing approximately 4,400 kg, which ISRO successfully launched on November 2.
Features of 'Bluebird Block-2'
Today's mission is being conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile. This mission will deploy a next-generation communications satellite designed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband services to smartphones. The mission aims to provide mobile connectivity directly via satellite. This network will provide 4G and 5G voice-video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services to everyone, anywhere in the world, at any time.
Before the launch, ISRO chief V. Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 22nd, praying for the mission's success. According to ISRO, the 43.5-meter-tall MVM3 is a three-stage rocket powered by a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. To provide the high thrust required for launch, the launch vehicle is equipped with two S200 solid rocket boosters developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
AST SpaceMobile launched five satellites, Bluebird 1 through 5, in September 2024, providing continuous internet coverage to the US and several other countries. The company plans to launch more such satellites to strengthen its network and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators around the world.
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