In a landmark achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched BlueBird 6, the heaviest satellite ever deployed by India’s LVM3 “Baahubali” rocket, on Wednesday. The satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company, is part of the next generation of communication satellites aimed at delivering space-based cellular broadband directly to mobile smartphones.
The mission lifted off from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, about 135 km east of Chennai, following a meticulously planned 24-hour countdown. Within approximately 15 minutes of flight, BlueBird 6 was separated from the rocket and placed into its designated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of around 520 km, marking a flawless execution.
A Record-Breaking Launch
Weighing 6,100 kilograms, BlueBird 6 surpasses all previous payloads carried by ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, setting a new benchmark for the heaviest payload delivered to LEO. The prior record was held by LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, which weighed 4,400 kg and was launched into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in November 2024.
This launch also marks the sixth operational mission of the LVM3 vehicle, showcasing ISRO’s increasing reliability and capability in handling heavy commercial satellites. Notably, it represents a back-to-back deployment of LVM3 rockets within just 52 days, demonstrating the rapid operational turnaround of India’s most powerful launch vehicle.
Technology and Collaboration
BlueBird 6 is part of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite constellation, which aims to provide high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones, bridging the digital divide in areas with limited or no terrestrial network coverage. AST SpaceMobile has already deployed five earlier satellites and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators worldwide to expand this network.
The LVM3 rocket, India’s three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle, features two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage, making it capable of carrying massive payloads with precision. This launch falls under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile, further establishing India as a preferred destination for international satellite deployments.
Global Significance and Future Prospects
The successful deployment of BlueBird 6 not only highlights India’s growing stature in global space technology but also signifies a major leap in telecommunications innovation. Space-based cellular connectivity promises to revolutionize mobile communication by providing uninterrupted broadband access to remote and underserved regions.
With this historic mission, ISRO continues to cement its position as a reliable and capable player in the international space arena, paving the way for future collaborations and technological advancements. BlueBird 6 represents the convergence of cutting-edge satellite technology and India’s launch expertise, opening doors to enhanced digital connectivity and global telecommunication possibilities.