India’s space agency ISRO successfully launched its powerful LVM3-M6 rocket early Wednesday, placing the heaviest commercial satellite ever from Indian soil into orbit. The heavy-lift vehicle, nicknamed the “Baahubali” rocket, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at about 8:55 am IST. The satellite, BlueBird Block-2, built for US company AST SpaceMobile, reached its planned Low Earth Orbit around 520 km above Earth, shortly after liftoff.
America’s BlueBird Block-2 just rode an Indian LVM3 to space.
Read that again.
The heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil and it wasn’t even ours.This is what quiet power looks like. Fire! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KNnQQakELm
— Zeba Zoariah (@ZZoariah) December 24, 2025
BlueBird Block-2: Biggest Ever Payload by LVM3
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite weighs around 6,100 kg, making it the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 so far. Its launch marks a major step for India’s commercial space ambitions and highlights the growing trust of international clients in ISRO’s launch capabilities.
Dr V Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, said, “LVM3-M6 successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit.”
BlueBird Block-2: Space-Based Broadband
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is not just large, it’s built to deliver direct broadband service from space to ordinary smartphones. This means users will be able to get cellular internet and mobile connectivity in remote and underserved regions without needing special equipment on the ground.
This next-generation space-based broadband technology promises to transform how people connect, especially in places where terrestrial networks are weak or absent. Satellite connectivity like this may support 4G and 5G services directly from orbit, enabling voice, data, and streaming capabilities straight to phones.
BlueBird Block-2: Commercial Space Market Impact
This mission was carried out under a commercial agreement between NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd), ISRO’s commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile. It shows that India is attracting global clients to use its launch services.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the launch as “A significant stride in India’s space sector…It strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market.”
ISRO has now completed multiple successful LVM3 missions, including satellite launches for both Indian and international customers, boosting its profile in the global space launch industry.
BlueBird Block-2: Safe Countdown & Collision Avoidance
The launch was delayed by about 90 seconds from its scheduled time. ISRO officials said this was done to avoid potential collision with space debris or other satellites along the flight path. With space becoming more crowded, such precautionary delays are now common to ensure missions are carried out safely.
What Comes Next for India’s Space Program?
The success of the LVM3-M6 mission with the BlueBird Block-2 satellite strengthens India’s space credentials. ISRO continues to build on its heavy-lift launch capabilities, which will be important for future missions, including potential human spaceflight plans and deep space exploration.
This mission adds a new chapter to India’s space journey, with international collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and commercial space leadership all taking center stage.
