ISRO launches BlueBird Block-2 Satellite aboard LVM3-M6
Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty):
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite using its heavy-lift rocket LVM3-M6, marking another major achievement in India’s space programme. The launch took place at 8:55 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
The 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit. With this mission, ISRO has once again demonstrated its capability to undertake complex launches involving heavy payloads, reinforcing its growing role in the global commercial space sector.
Developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, the satellite is designed to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity from space. It will enable users to access 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, text messaging, data services, and streaming directly on standard mobile phones, without the need for additional ground infrastructure.
The mission forms a crucial part of AST SpaceMobile’s planned low Earth orbit constellation, which aims to deliver seamless mobile network coverage across the globe. The initiative seeks to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions, potentially benefiting nearly six billion mobile subscribers worldwide.
ISRO officials said the success of the LVM3-M6 mission further strengthens India’s credentials as a reliable and cost-effective launch service provider while contributing to the expansion of next-generation global communication networks.
