Sriharikota : India’s space agency Indian Space Research Organisation on Wednesday successfully launched the Bluebird Block 2 communication satellite of the United States, marking a major step forward for the country’s heavy launch vehicle programme.
The satellite was carried into space by the LVM3 M6 rocket, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the morning. The launch went as planned, with all stages of the rocket performing normally. The satellite was later placed into its intended low earth orbit.
Bluebird Block 2 has been developed by the US based company AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is part of a new generation of spacecraft designed to offer direct mobile connectivity from space. It aims to support voice and data services for ordinary smartphones in remote and underserved regions across the world.
With a weight of more than six thousand kilograms, Bluebird Block 2 is the heaviest satellite placed in low earth orbit by the LVM3 rocket so far. Officials said the mission demonstrates the growing strength and reliability of India’s launch systems for demanding commercial missions.
The launch was conducted under a commercial arrangement managed by NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO. The successful mission is expected to boost India’s profile in the global commercial launch market and attract more international customers.
ISRO officials described the launch as a proud moment for the country’s space programme, noting that it reflects years of technical work and growing international trust in Indian space capabilities.