ISRO Achieves Record with Heaviest Payload as LVM3 Launches US Satellite

India’s heavy lift rocket LVM3 achieved another major milestone on Wednesday by successfully placing the US communications satellite BlueBird Block 2 into low Earth orbit. The early morning ISRO LVM3 launch marked the rocket’s sixth operational flight and its third dedicated commercial mission. Weighing 6100 kg, BlueBird Block 2 became the heaviest payload ever lifted by the LVM3 rocket, underlining India’s growing capability in heavy lift launch services.

ISRO Chairman Confirms Precise Orbit Achievement

ISRO chairman V Narayanan confirmed that the LVM3 rocket performed as planned during the mission. He stated that the LVM3 launch achieved an orbit of 518.5 km, very close to the planned altitude of 520 km. Highlighting the significance of the mission, he said, "This is the heaviest satellite to be launched by an Indian launcher in Indian soil. This is also the first back to back LVM3 launch missions within a period of 52days. With this, Isro has placed 434 satellites for 34 countries." The successful BlueBird Block 2 deployment further strengthens ISRO’s commercial launch record.

LVM3 Rocket Lifts Off from Sriharikota

The 43.5 metre tall and 640 tonne LVM3 rocket lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Around 16 minutes after liftoff, the BlueBird Block 2 satellite was precisely injected into a circular low Earth orbit at an altitude of nearly 520 km, with an orbital inclination of 53 degrees. The smooth execution of the LVM3 launch once again showcased ISRO’s technical reliability.

Commercial Mission Conducted with US Firm

The mission, designated LVM3-M6, was carried out under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO, and US based AST & Science LLC. The BlueBird Block 2 satellite is part of a global low Earth orbit constellation designed to enhance satellite based mobile connectivity. This LVM3 commercial mission highlights India’s increasing role as a trusted launch partner for international satellite operators.

BlueBird Block 2 Set to Transform Mobile Connectivity

According to mission details, BlueBird Block 2 features a massive 223 square metre phased array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit. The satellite constellation aims to support 4G and 5G services, including voice calls, video calls, video streaming, text messaging and data services. These services will work directly on standard mobile phones without the need for specialised ground equipment, making the BlueBird Block 2 mission a significant step forward in global satellite communications.

ISRO Strengthens Position in Global Space Market

With the successful LVM3 launch of BlueBird Block 2, ISRO has further cemented its position in the global space launch market. The mission not only demonstrated the LVM3 rocket’s heavy lift capability but also reinforced India’s reputation for delivering precise, reliable and commercially viable space missions for international customers.