ISRO Successfully Launches LVM3-M6 for BlueBird Block-2 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone as its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) successfully inserted the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into low earth orbit on December 24, 2025.

The heavy-lift launch vehicle lifted off at 8:55 a.m. from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and in just 15 minutes precisely placed the payload into its intended orbit.

India’s Heaviest Commercial Payload Successfully Launched

Dual records set during the BlueBird Block-2 mission

This mission marked a significant achievement for ISRO. The agency deployed the largest commercial communications satellite ever placed in low earth orbit using an Indian launcher.

Additionally, the BlueBird Block-2 became the heaviest payload (6,100 kgs.) launched from Indian soil, showcasing the enhanced capability of the LVM3 rocket.

“LVM 3 Bahubali rocket M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the USA,” ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said.

Dr. Narayanan highlighted the importance of this milestone, noting that it represents the heaviest satellite ever launched from India using an indigenous rocket.

Precision Performance Sets a Benchmark

“I am extremely happy to announce the performance of the orbit that we have got is less than two kilometers. This is one of the best performances of any launch vehicle in the global arena. With this mission India has successfully launched 434 satellites for 34 countries,” Dr. Narayanan added.

His remarks underline the increasing precision of India’s launch vehicles, strengthening ISRO’s position as a reliable partner in the global commercial space sector.

Strong Government Support for Space Innovation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievement, emphasizing its broader national impact:

“Powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful. With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships. This increased capability and boost to self-reliance are wonderful for the coming generations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

What Is the BlueBird Block-2 Satellite?

A next-generation direct-to-mobile connectivity satellite

Developed by AST SpaceMobile (USA), BlueBird Block-2 belongs to a new class of communication satellites designed to bring high-speed cellular broadband directly to regular smartphones — without requiring special satellite phones.

“BlueBird block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite . This constellation will enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data for everyone, everywhere, at all times. It features a 223m² phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit,” ISRO said.

This capability aims to bridge network gaps in remote and rural regions worldwide where traditional telecom towers are difficult to deploy.

LVM3’s Growing Track Record

A new era of back-to-back heavy-lift missions

Dr. Narayanan also highlighted the growing reliability of ISRO’s heavy-lift launcher:

“Dr. Narayanan said that the LVM3-M6 mission was the 104th launch from Sriharikota and also the ninth successful mission of the LVM-3 launch vehicle and the third dedicated commercial mission demonstrating its 100% reliability.”

He further noted:

“As all of you recall we had the LVM-3 launch just last month on November 2, 2025. This is also the first time we have a back to back mission of LVM 3 within just 52 days. It is a great achievement and a great target achieved as per the vision of our honorable prime minister of India. This was not an easy task considering the enormous efforts required because it requires very close coordination among various teams at different ISRO centers,” Dr. Narayanan said.

Strengthening India’s Commercial Launch Ecosystem

With this launch, ISRO further consolidates its role as a competitive player in global satellite launches, supporting:

• commercial satellite constellations

• next-generation communication systems

• future crewed and deep-space missions

The success of LVM3-M6 signals India’s readiness to handle more complex and heavier payload missions, including upcoming programs such as Gaganyaan and expanded commercial partnerships.