ISRO’s LVM3-M6 launches heaviest satellite from India in Christmas Eve mission

Sriharikota: On Christmas Eve, ISRO successfully launched its heaviest rocket, the LVM3-M6, placing a 6,100kg US communication satellite into low Earth orbit in what the space agency described as a textbook mission.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, launched under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile, is part of a global constellation aimed at providing direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G connectivity, including voice, video, data and streaming services.

Nicknamed Bahubali for its heavy-lift capability, the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M6 lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 8.55 a.m. after a 24-hour countdown. About 15 minutes later, the satellite was successfully separated and injected into a 518-km circular orbit, slightly below the planned 520 km altitude.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan termed the mission a “textbook launch” and a “Christmas and New Year gift to Bharat,” citing the precision achieved as the best ever by an Indian launcher. He said the mission marked the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil and reaffirmed the LVM3’s 100% success rate.

The launch also marked ISRO’s second LVM3 mission within 52 days, following the November 2 flight of the LVM3-M5. With this mission, India has now launched 434 satellites for 34 countries, Narayanan said.

Built to deliver high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite supports AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular network, designed for both commercial and government use. The company has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators globally and plans additional launches to expand coverage.

The LVM3, also known as GSLV Mk-III, is a three-stage launch vehicle powered by a cryogenic engine and twin S200 solid rocket boosters. This was its sixth operational flight and third dedicated commercial mission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO, calling the launch a reflection of India’s push toward self-reliance and global leadership in space technology.

Home Minister Amit Shah and Andhra Pradesh leaders, including Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, also hailed the mission as a milestone in India’s commercial space journey.