Bluebird 2 Launch: India has successfully launched the heavy-lift LVM3-M6 rocket, with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) lofting Block-2 spacecraft of US-based AST SpaceMobile, the next-generation US communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a major commercial mission.
Bluebird 2 Launch-What Makes The Launch Of BlueBird Block-2 Special?
The 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever launched by Launch Vehicle Mark-3 or LVM3 into Low Earth Orbit, a significant milestone for the rocket.
The previous record was held by the CMS-03 communication satellite, weighing about 4,400 kg. It was placed into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit on November 2.
ISRO chairman V Narayanan, who recently offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, was present at the spaceport to oversee the mission.
About The Bluebird 2 Launch Vehicle
The LVM3, also known as GSLV Mk III, which stands at 43.5 metres tall is a three-stage launch vehicle that comprises of two S200 solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). It is the most powerful operational rocket of ISRO with a lift-off mass of 64 tonnes.
What is BlueBird Block-2?
BlueBird Block-2, a part of the global LEO constellation of AST SpaceMobile, is aimed at providing space-based cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones, without specialized hardware or modifications.
The satellite features a massive 223-square-metre phased-array antenna, which makes it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in LEO to date.
The constellation will help enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, text messaging, data streaming, and broadband internet for users anywhere in the world.
Another Milestone For LVM3
Previously, the company has already launched five BlueBird satellites in September 2024.
LVM3 has previously powered flagship missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and two OneWeb launches carrying 72 satellites.
Why The World Choose ISRO?
ISRO has emerged as the go-to launch provider for global payloads, outshining even the SpaceX because of its low cost and high reliability. The Indian Space Research Organization delivers missions at a fraction of competitors’ prices, often under $10,000 per kg to orbit compared to SpaceX’s $2,700-$6,000 per kg.
Unmatched Reliability
While Japan’s H3 rocket failed on December 22, 2025, due to a second-stage anomaly, China’s reusable Long March-12A recovery flopped the next day, and South Korea’s Hanbit-Nano crashed in Brazil, ISRO boasts of a whopping 95%+ success rate. This makes ISRO the safest bet for high-value payloads like Bluebird 2’s commercial satellites.
