BlueBird-2 launch: ISRO’s ‘Baahubali’ rocket LVM3-M6 lifts off with heaviest-ever payload; PM Modi showers praise

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft of US-based AST SpaceMobile aboard its heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6, marking a major milestone in India’s commercial space ambitions.

The ‘Baahubali’ rocket lifted off at 8.55 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, and later placed the satellite into its designated orbit, ISRO confirmed.

PM Modi, ministers praise landmark launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, calling the mission a proud moment for India’s space sector and a reflection of the country’s push towards self-reliance.

“A significant stride in India’s space sector. The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil — the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft of the USA — into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

He added that the mission underlines India’s efforts towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and showcases the nation’s growing stature in global space technology.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh also lauded ISRO, saying the agency continues to deliver one success after another under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Why the mission is significant

The launch was carried out under a commercial agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile, a US-based space technology company.

Weighing 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever launched by ISRO’s LVM3 rocket. The previous record was held by the LVM3-M5 mission, which carried a 4,400-kg communication satellite into orbit in November.

The mission is a key step in deploying next-generation communication satellites aimed at providing high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide. AST SpaceMobile is developing the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network that can connect directly with standard mobile phones, supporting 4G and 5G voice calls, video, messaging, streaming and data services for both commercial and government users.

About the LVM3 rocket

The LVM3, also known as GSLV Mk III, is a 43.5-metre-tall, three-stage launch vehicle powered by a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. It is equipped with two S200 solid rocket boosters, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, which provide the massive thrust required at liftoff.

The heavy-lift rocket has previously been used for high-profile missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and multiple OneWeb satellite launches, further cementing ISRO’s reputation as a reliable player in the global launch market.