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ISRO's LVM3 Rocket Launches Heaviest Payload, US BlueBird Satellite, Into Orbit

ISRO has successfully launched the LVM3-M6 rocket, carrying the US-based AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite. Weighing 6,100 kg, this is the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit by an LVM3 vehicle. The satellite is designed to provide direct space-based 4G and 5G broadband connectivity to standard mobile smartphones globally. This mission marks the second major collaboration between ISRO and a US entity this year, following the NISAR satellite launch.

Key Points: ISRO Launches US BlueBird Satellite, Heaviest LEO Payload on LVM3

  • Heaviest LEO payload for LVM3
  • Direct 4G/5G to smartphones
  • Second major US-ISRO collaboration
  • Part of expanding global satellite network
2 min read

ISRO successfully launches BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit

ISRO successfully launches the 6,100 kg US BlueBird Block-2 satellite, its heaviest LEO payload, marking a leap in direct-to-smartphone connectivity.

"Mission Success. The LVM3-M6 mission has successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit. - ISRO"

New Delhi, Dec 24

In yet another historic feat, the Indian Space Research Organisation on Wednesday successfully launched LVM3-M6 rocket, carrying United States' new generation BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite.

"Mission Success. The LVM3-M6 mission has successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit," said ISRO in an X post.

The communication satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history. The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg that was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The satellite is part of a next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.

This mission marks the 6th operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle. It also represents a significant leap in telecommunications technology, as the massive 6,100 kg payload is designed to provide high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity directly to smartphones.

"Kudos Team ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2. With the visionary patronage of PM Narendra Modi, ISRO continues to achieve one success after another, reiterating India's growing prowess in Space technology," said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in an X post.

BlueBird communications satellite, developed by the US-based AST SpaceMobile, will be launched on board India's most powerful rocket LVM3. It is one of the heaviest commercial satellites, weighing 6.5 tonnes. The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite arrived in India from the US on October 19.

This is the second collaboration between the US and ISRO. In July, the ISRO successfully launched the $1.5 billion NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR), aimed at taking high-resolution Earth scans with a capacity to penetrate through fogs, dense clouds, and ice layers.

AST SpaceMobile has already launched five satellites -- BlueBird 1 to 5 -- in September 2024. With an aim to expand this network further, the company has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to rural areas for work, the promise of direct-to-smartphone broadband is a game-changer. Hope this technology helps bridge the digital divide in India's villages. Well done, ISRO team!
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Vikram M
Fantastic achievement, no doubt. But I wish the article gave more credit to the scientists and engineers instead of just quoting the minister's praise for political leadership. The real heroes are the ISRO team working day and night.
R
Rohit P
LVM3 is becoming a reliable workhorse! Carrying such heavy payloads reliably is key for commercial success. More US collaborations mean more revenue and jobs for our space sector. Win-win!
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Kavya N
Heaviest payload to LEO! That's a massive technical milestone. My brother works at ISRO and the dedication is unreal. When will we see similar direct-to-phone services from Indian companies though? We have the talent.
M
Michael C
Impressive feat of engineering. The US-India space partnership is strengthening, which is great for global tech progress. Looking forward to the benefits of this satellite network for connectivity here in Asia.

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