In a landmark achievement for the Indian space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest satellite to date on December 24, 2025. The LVM3-M6 rocket, also known as 'Bahubali' for its heavy-lift capability, placed the US-built AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as "a significant stride" for India's space program. He noted that it strengthens India's heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces the country's growing role in the global commercial launch market. Modi congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite and commended the space scientists for their consistent innovation and contribution to strengthening the country's space capabilities. He also acknowledged the space sector's role in furthering national progress and empowering countless lives.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload ever deployed to LEO by an LVM3 rocket from Indian soil. The mission is a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile. The 43.5-meter-tall rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. After approximately 15 minutes, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite separated from the vehicle and was successfully placed into its intended orbit.
The Bluebird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation that aims to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite. This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by smartphones and designed for commercial and government applications.
ISRO's LVM3-M6, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-MkIII), is a three-stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The vehicle uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the necessary thrust for lift-off. The booster was developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
This launch marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and the third dedicated commercial mission to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft. The LVM3 has a successful track record, including the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions. ISRO Secretary V. Narayanan stated that the LVM3-M6 launch was one of the finest performances of any launch vehicle. He also mentioned that this mission brings India's total to 434 satellites launched for 34 countries.
The successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite highlights ISRO's growing presence in the global commercial space market. It also demonstrates India's self-reliance and technical strength in building and launching heavy communication satellites. This mission is a significant step in India's space journey, strengthening its heavy-lift launch capability and reinforcing its role in the global commercial launch market.
