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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched a next-generation US communication satellite, BlueBird Block-2, onboard its heaviest vehicle, LVM3-M6, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Station took place at 8:55 a.m. Indian Standard Time. After a 15-minute flight, the spacecraft Bluebird Block-2 was released from the vehicle and successfully placed in its assigned orbit.
Speaking on the occasion, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan praised the successful launch of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, describing it as the biggest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil by an Indian launch vehicle. Mr Narayanan stated that the satellite was precisely injected into its planned orbit, a huge achievement for ISRO.
The Bluebird Block-2 project is part of a global LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation that will give direct satellite access to mobile devices. This constellation would provide 4G and 5G audio and video calls, texts, streaming, and data to everyone, anywhere, at any time.
The mission was carried out as part of a commercial deal negotiated by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). NewSpace India Ltd is the commercial arm of ISRO.
The LVM3-M6 marks LVM3’s sixth operational flight and the third dedicated commercial mission to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft. The LVM3 has an impressive track record of conducting eight consecutive successful launches, including the ambitious Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.
