In a historic achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the LVM3-M6 rocket, carrying the United States’ BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite. This satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) during an LVM3 launch. It follows the successful launch of the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, which weighed about 4,400 kg and was launched into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on November 2.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a new generation of communication satellites designed to offer cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones. This mission signifies the 6th operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle and a significant advancement in telecommunications technology. The 6,100 kg payload aims to provide high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity to smartphones.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh commended Team ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2. The collaboration between the US-based AST SpaceMobile and ISRO has resulted in the launch of one of the heaviest commercial satellites, weighing 6.5 tonnes. The BlueBird satellite, which arrived in India from the US, is set to revolutionize space-based cellular connectivity.
