The Indian Space Research Organisation on Wednesday successfully launched the LVM3 M6 rocket carrying the United States’ next generation BlueBird Block 2 communication satellite, marking a major commercial milestone for India’s space programme.
The rocket lifted off at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO said the 6,100 kg satellite was successfully placed into its intended low Earth orbit, making it the heaviest payload ever launched by the LVM3 into LEO.
“This is the heaviest payload placed into low Earth orbit in the history of LVM3 launches,” ISRO said in a statement. The previous record was held by the CMS 03 communication satellite, which weighed around 4,400 kg and was launched into geosynchronous transfer orbit in November.
The mission was carried out under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited, ISRO’s commercial arm, and US based AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is part of AST SpaceMobile’s plan to build a global space based cellular broadband network that can connect directly to regular smartphones.
According to ISRO, the 43.5 metre tall LVM3, also known as GSLV Mark III, is a three stage launch vehicle designed to carry heavy payloads. It uses two solid rocket boosters to generate the high thrust needed during liftoff.
BlueBird Block 2 is designed to provide high speed 4G and 5G voice, video calls, messaging, streaming and data services across the world. AST SpaceMobile said the satellite features a large phased array antenna, making it the biggest commercial communication satellite deployed in low Earth orbit so far.
AST SpaceMobile has already launched five similar satellites in September last year and has partnerships with more than 50 mobile operators globally. ISRO officials said the successful launch further strengthens India’s position as a reliable player in the global commercial space market.
