Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commenced the 24-hour countdown for the launch of its heavy-lift rocket, LVM3-M6. This dedicated commercial mission will carry the Bluebird Block-2, a next-generation US communication satellite, into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Mission Highlights: A Historic Payload
Scheduled for lift-off at 8:54 AM on Wednesday, December 24, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, this mission marks several milestones:
- Record Weight: At 6,100 kg, the Bluebird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever to be launched by an LVM3 rocket, surpassing the previous record of 4,400 kg set in November 2024.
- Direct-to-Mobile Connectivity: Developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, the satellite is designed to provide high-speed 4G and 5G cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones worldwide, eliminating the need for specialized satellite phones.
- Massive Scale: The satellite features a 223 $m^2$ phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed into LEO.
Commercial Partnership
The mission is being executed under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile. This partnership underscores India’s growing role as a reliable and cost-effective provider for heavy-lift international satellite launches.
The Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M6
The 43.5-meter-tall LVM3 is a three-stage rocket powered by:
- S200 Solid Boosters: Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for massive lift-off thrust.
- Cryogenic Engine: Developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
- Deployment: The satellite is expected to separate from the vehicle approximately 15 minutes after lift-off at an altitude of about 600 km.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on Tuesday morning, following a long-standing tradition at the agency.
Global Connectivity Goals
The Bluebird Block-2 is part of a planned global constellation. Following the successful launch of Bluebirds 1–5 in September 2024, this mission aims to augment a network that currently partners with over 50 mobile operators globally to provide voice, video, and data services to “everyone, everywhere.”