BlueBird Block-2 launched: At 6,100 kg, Isro’s LVM3 puts its heaviest satellite into low Earth orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (Isro) Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into low Earth orbit on Wednesday, December 24. The rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 8.55 am and inserted the satellite into its intended orbit just 15 minutes later.

Weighing 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever carried by LVM3, which completed its sixth operational flight and third dedicated commercial mission. Isro chairman V. Narayanan noted that the rocket achieved a 518.5 km orbit, close to the planned 520 km.

“This is the heaviest satellite to be launched by an Indian launcher from Indian soil. It is also the first back-to-back LVM3 mission within 52 days. With this launch, ISRO has placed 434 satellites for 34 countries,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the success of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 shows that “powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful,” strengthening future missions like Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships.

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… pic.twitter.com/f53SiUXyZr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2025

“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.

The mission is being carried out under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), and the US-based company AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).

Launch delayed by 90 seconds to prevent collision

Isro adopted a cautious strategy by delaying the LVM3 M6 flight by 90 seconds. The lift-off was initially scheduled for 8:54 am, but the time was shifted to 8:55:30 am after an assessment of the launch corridor.

According to Isro, debris or a conjunction with other satellites created a collision risk along the Baahuballi rocket’s trajectory, prompting the delay. Such adjustments have become more common as the skies over Sriharikota grow increasingly crowded with thousands of satellites passing overhead.

Launch Vehicle Mark-3

The LVM3, developed by Isro, is a three-stage launcher equipped with two solid strap-on motors (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). It has a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, stands 43.5 metres tall, and can carry up to 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

In previous flights, LVM3 has successfully deployed Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying a combined total of 72 satellites. Its most recent mission prior to this one, the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 flight, was completed successfully on 2 November, according to Isro.