Bhubaneswar: In a significant milestone for India’s commercial space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Christmas Eve successfully launched the 6,100 kg BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite for US-based firm AST SpaceMobile, setting a new national record for the heaviest satellite placed in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The satellite separated smoothly from the LVM3 rocket around 17 minutes after liftoff and was accurately injected into a 520-km circular orbit. The mission marked the sixth operational flight of ISRO’s heavy-lift launcher LVM3, which continues to maintain a flawless success record. With this launch, ISRO surpassed its earlier LEO payload benchmark by nearly 1,700 kg.
Designed to deliver 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones, BlueBird Block-2 aims to bridge communication gaps in remote and underserved regions across the globe. The ambitious project has drawn global telecom majors on board, including AT&T and Vodafone Idea, reflecting growing confidence in the satellite’s potential to revolutionise mobile connectivity.
The successful deployment also underscores India’s expanding role in the global commercial launch market, particularly in offering reliable and cost-effective access to space. Analysts say the mission strengthens ISRO’s credentials as a preferred launch partner for international satellite operators and highlights deepening cooperation between India and global space and telecom players.
With LVM3 demonstrating consistent performance and the capability to handle heavier commercial payloads, India is increasingly positioning itself as a competitive force in the evolving global space economy.
