Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): In a landmark mission on Christmas Eve, ISRO’s heaviest launch vehicle, LVM3-M6, successfully placed a US communication satellite into orbit on Wednesday.

The Bengaluru-based space agency confirmed that the LVM3-M6 rocket precisely deployed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its designated orbit. The mission is part of a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity, supporting 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data services worldwide.

Also known as ‘Bahubali’, the LVM3-M6 carried the satellite under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)—ISRO’s commercial arm—and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).

The 43.5-metre-tall rocket lifted off at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at Sriharikota. After a flight lasting around 15 minutes, the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle and was successfully injected into orbit.

Following the successful mission, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said, “I am extremely happy to say that the LVM3M6 'Bahubali' rocket has successfully placed the Bluebird-Block 2 satellite into the intended orbit. Let me congratulate NewSpace India and AST Space Mobile on the outstanding achievement.”

He said the satellite was placed in a 518 km circular orbit, closely matching the planned altitude of 520 km, describing it as a “textbook launch”. The mission also demonstrated the 100 per cent success rate of the LVM3 rocket. Narayanan noted that this was the first time ISRO had launched two LVM3 missions within 52 days, following the LVM3-M5 mission on November 2.

Addressing scientists at the Mission Control Centre, he thanked the team for one of the finest launch performances and said the mission took India’s tally to 434 satellites launched for 34 countries. “The reward for hard work is more work, and we have a lot of programmes on hand,” he remarked.

Calling the mission a “New Year and Christmas gift to Bharat”, Narayanan reflected on ISRO’s major achievements this year, including the NISAR mission, CMS-03, and BlueBird Block-2. On the Gaganyaan programme, he said, “We have to accomplish uncrewed missions, and we are getting towards that.”

He also announced that another launch by an Indian startup is scheduled in the coming weeks, adding that the developmental phase of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) has been completed and the operational phase will begin soon. On navigation satellites, he said, “That satellite series we are going to continue and we are going to start placing them in the intended orbit.”

Weighing 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload placed into Low Earth Orbit by an LVM3 rocket from Indian soil. The previous record-holder was CMS-03, weighing about 4,400 kg, launched on November 2 into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

The mission aims to deploy next-generation satellites capable of delivering high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones. AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network accessible without specialised hardware, serving both commercial and government users.

The LVM3-M6, also known as GSLV Mk III, is a three-stage launch vehicle featuring a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The rocket uses two S200 solid boosters, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, to generate the thrust required for lift-off.

AST SpaceMobile has already launched five BlueBird satellites in September 2024, providing coverage across the United States and select regions. The company plans additional launches and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators globally.

The LVM3-M6 mission marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 rocket and its third dedicated commercial mission. ISRO noted that LVM3 has completed eight consecutive successful launches, including the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.


PTI