Isro Launches BlueBird Block 2 in Heaviest Commercial Mission Yet

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully launched a heavy-lift LVM3-M6 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Wednesday, placing the US’ BlueBird Block 2 communications satellite into its planned low Earth orbit.

The LVM3-M6 rocket lifted off at 8:55am and delivered the 6,100 kg BlueBird Block 2 spacecraft into a roughly 520km orbit about 15 minutes later, marking the heaviest payload ever launched to low Earth orbit from Indian soil using an Indian launcher. 

The mission puts the spotlight on India’s growing role in commercial space launches and heavy-lift missions.

“LVM 3 Bahubali rocket M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block 2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the US,” Isro chairman V. Narayanan said after the launch.

Narayanan added that the achieved orbit deviation was under two kilometres, calling it one of the most accurate performances globally. 

“This is the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher. With this mission, India has successfully launched 434 satellites for 34 countries,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the mission a “significant stride in India’s space sector,” saying the flight strengthened the country’s heavy-lift launch capability and commercial credentials while reinforcing its status as a trusted launch partner on the global stage. 

“Powered by India’s youth, our space program is getting more advanced and impactful. With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships,” he posted on X.

BlueBird Block 2 was developed by AST SpaceMobile to support space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile phones, enabling 4G and 5G voice calls, messaging, data and streaming services without specialized ground equipment. 

AST SpaceMobile launched its first five BlueBird satellites in September 2024, which currently provide continuous internet coverage across the US. The company plans further launches to expand the constellation and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.

The mission’s success follows a 24-hour countdown that saw launch preparations begin on 23 December, with NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of Isro, managing the dedicated international contract.