Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the launch of India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6, carrying BlueBird 6, as a significant achievement for the country’s space sector. The successful takeoff from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh marked a proud milestone in India’s space journey, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil into its intended orbit.
PM Modi highlighted that this successful launch strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and enhances its position in the global commercial launch market. He also emphasized the significance of this achievement in advancing India’s self-reliant vision. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh also commended ISRO for the successful mission, acknowledging the agency’s continuous success under PM Modi’s leadership.
The communication satellite, BlueBird 6, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload ever placed into the Low Earth Orbit during an LVM3 launch. This satellite, part of the BlueBird Block-2 series, aims to provide cellular broadband connectivity directly to mobile smartphones, showcasing advancements in telecommunications technology. The launch of BlueBird 6 by the LVM3-M6 rocket signifies a significant leap in space technology, offering high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity to smartphones.
The mission, the 6th operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle, involved a 43.5-meter-tall rocket supported by two solid boosters. Following a successful lift-off, the spacecraft is expected to separate and reach its designated orbit at an altitude of around 520 km. This mission is part of a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC), aiming to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit.
