"Same rocket earmarked for Gaganyaan programme": ISRO Chairman after BlueBird Block-2 success
Sriharikota, December 24
Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman V Narayanan on Wednesday emphasised that the same LVM3 rocket, which successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, has been earmarked for the forthcoming Gaganyaan programme.
He noted that the rocket's perfect track record of 100 per cent success since 2017 strengthens confidence in India's ability.
Speaking to ANI, V Narayanan said, "From 2017 to today, whatever launches done by LVM-3 rocket have been a 100 per cent success. This is the same rocket we have earmarked for the human-rating level for the Gaganyaan programme. This success gives further confidence to go ahead with the Gaganyaan programme."
"Chandrayaan 4 and 5 are approved projects. There is a saying that strength only respects strength. When we accomplished Chandrayaan-3, Japan wanted to collaborate with us. It's not a small thing. A technologically developed country wanted to collaborate with us. Today, I can proudly say as an Indian, we are rubbing shoulders with the developed countries of the space-faring nations," he said.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of the United States' AST SpaceMobile this morning. The satellite was successfully placed in orbit, and the mission was declared a success.
The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Station in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 8:55 AM IST.
The mission will deploy the next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide. The BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft is the heaviest payload to be launched into Low Earth Orbit in the history of the LVM3 rocket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful LVM3-M6 launch, which placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit, calling it a significant stride in India's space journey.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "A significant stride in India's space sector.The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India's space journey."
"It strengthens India's heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market. This is also reflective of our efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Congratulations to our hardworking space scientists and engineers. India continues to soar higher in the world of space!" the post reads.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an expat, seeing India launch a US satellite and then talk about collaborating with Japan is incredible. The Chairman is right – strength respects strength. This global recognition is well-deserved.
So proud! From launching foreign satellites to planning our own human spaceflight, the journey has been remarkable. The Gaganyaan programme will inspire a whole generation. Can't wait to see our astronauts in space!
While the success is commendable, I hope the focus on Gaganyaan doesn't slow down other crucial missions like Chandrayaan-4 and 5. We need a balanced approach to exploration, science, and commercial launches. Just a thought.
The fact that the heaviest payload was for a US company says it all. Our launch services are becoming a reliable and cost-effective option globally. A true example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat bringing in foreign revenue. 👏
Every successful launch like this directly builds the case for Gaganyaan. The "human-rating" process is rigorous, and starting with a rocket that has a flawless record is the smartest move. ISRO's step-by-step approach is why they succeed.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.