ISRO’s LVM3 sets new record, launches heaviest-ever commercial satellite BlueBird Block-2 into LEO

India’s most powerful rocket places 6,100 kg US-built communication satellite into orbit, marking a major leap in global direct-to-mobile connectivity

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday morning achieved a major milestone in commercial space missions as its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The LVM3-M6 mission lifted off at 8.55 a.m. on December 24, 2025, from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Around 15 minutes after liftoff, the satellite was precisely injected into its intended orbit, marking a flawless mission execution.

Also Read:Vande Bharat sleeper’s second rake ready, but awaiting clearance in Bengaluru

With this launch, ISRO achieved two historic firsts. The BlueBird Block-2 became the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit, and at 6,100 kg, it is the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from Indian soil. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed the mission’s success shortly after satellite separation.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite has been developed by AST SpaceMobile, USA, and is part of the company’s next-generation satellite constellation. The mission aims to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones, without the need for specialised satellite phones.

What a moment! Relive the #LVM3M6 liftoff highlights here:

For More information Visit:https://t.co/PBYwLU4Ogy
#LVM3M6#BlueBirdBlock2#ISRO#NSILpic.twitter.com/hc4SoI5DI5

— ISRO (@isro) December 24, 2025

According to ISRO, the satellite is a key component of a global LEO constellation designed for direct-to-mobile services. The system will enable 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data access anywhere in the world. The satellite features a massive 223 square metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in LEO.

This launch marked the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and its third dedicated commercial mission. In earlier missions, the LVM3 has successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites. The rocket’s previous mission, LVM3-M5/CMS-03, was completed successfully on November 2, 2025.

Also Read:Vinay Mruthyunjaya: KSCA thanks State Government, awaits clearances

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite arrived in India from the United States on October 19, ahead of its launch campaign. AST SpaceMobile has already deployed five satellites, BlueBird 1 to 5, in September 2024, and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators globally to expand its network.

The mission also highlights growing India–US space collaboration. Earlier this year, ISRO successfully launched the $1.5 billion NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, designed for high-resolution Earth observation capable of penetrating cloud cover, fog and ice.

With the successful LVM3-M6 launch, ISRO further strengthened India’s position as a reliable global launch service provider and showcased its capability to handle heavy commercial payloads for next-generation communication networks.