ISRO’s LVM3 Launches BlueBird Block-2: A New Milestone for India

India's space achievement took center stage on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite with its heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3).

The LVM3 took off precisely at 8:55 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre's second launch pad in Sriharikota. Just 15 minutes post-launch, the rocket effectively positioned the satellite into its designated low Earth orbit, showcasing remarkable mission accuracy.

This mission was a significant step for India’s space saga, as the BlueBird Block-2 became the largest commercial communications satellite ever placed in low Earth orbit, weighing in at an impressive 6,100 kilograms—the heaviest satellite ever launched by an Indian rocket from its home soil.

Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, confirmed the successful orbital placement of the satellite, noting a minimal deviation of less than two kilometers. He recognized this accomplishment as a top-tier performance among global launch vehicles. Additionally, this marked the first dedicated commercial mission executed by India for a U.S.-based customer.

With this accomplishment, India has now successfully launched a total of 434 satellites for 34 countries, further cementing its status as a credible global launch service provider.

Developed by AST SpaceMobile, USA, the BlueBird Block-2 is a part of a next-gen satellite constellation aimed at providing direct-to-mobile connectivity. This system intends to deliver 4G and 5G services directly to standard smartphones without requiring specialized equipment for voice calls, video calls, messaging, data, and streaming.

The satellite is equipped with a colossal 223-square-metre phased array antenna, making it stand out as the largest of its kind ever deployed in low Earth orbit.

This launch marks the 104th from Sriharikota and the LVM3's ninth successful flight, maintaining a flawless success record in its three dedicated commercial missions. Remarkably, this event took place merely 52 days after the previous LVM3 mission, establishing a record for back-to-back missions in such a brief period.

Officials underlined that this success reflects efficient collaboration among teams across various ISRO centers and signals a growing sophistication in India's heavy-lift capabilities.

The LVM3-M6 mission's success not only bolsters India's readiness for future endeavors, like the Gaganyaan missions, but also expands commercial launch services and fosters deeper international cooperation in space exploration.