India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6 successfully launched BlueBird 6, a cutting-edge communications satellite by US innovator AST SpaceMobile, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellite aims to provide broadband services directly to smartphones from space, eliminating the need for special equipment. The rocket, standing at 43.5 meters and supported by two S200 solid boosters, took off at 8:55 a.m. after a 24-hour countdown from Sriharikota’s second launch pad.
BlueBird Block-2, the payload on the rocket, is expected to separate and reach its designated orbit at an altitude of approximately 520 km after about 15 minutes of flight, as per ISRO. This mission is a part of a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company. ISRO strategically delayed the launch by 90 seconds from the initially planned time of 8:54 a.m. to ensure a successful liftoff at 8:55 a.m. and 30 seconds.
The successful placement of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit was confirmed by ISRO, marking the mission’s success. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh commended ISRO for the achievement, attributing the success to PM Narendra Modi’s support for India’s advancements in space technology. The LVM3-M6 will further deploy the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit, making it the largest commercial communications satellite and the heaviest payload launched from Indian soil by LVM3.
