ISRO BlueBird Block-2, India's Heaviest Communication Satellite, Lifts Off on 'Bahubali' Rocket: What It Will Do

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Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday launched BlueBird Block 2, its new generation communication satellite via LVM3-M6, also called India's 'Bahubali' rocket. The spacecraft lifted off at 8:54 AM from the second launch pad at Sriharikota in Karnataka's Bengaluru.

What is BlueBird Block 2 Satellite?

The BlueBird Block 2 is a new communication satellite weighing 6,100 kg. It's the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history, ISRO said.The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg that was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GApeU-rGGM

According to the Indian space agency, the 43.5 metre tall LVM3, also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, is a three stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.The vehicle uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the huge amount of thrust required for lift off. The booster has been developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.After a flight of about 15 minutes from liftoff, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is expected to get separated from the launch vehicle.ALSO READ |

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What ISRO is Launching BlueBird Block 2 Satellite?

ISRO's latest mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). NewSpace India Ltd is the commercial arm of ISRO.The historic mission would deploy the next generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, which is accessible directly by smartphones and designed for both commercial and government applications.BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite.This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. It features a 223 m 2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite every deployed into low Earth Orbit, about 600 km altitude.ALSO READ | ISRO Makes History Again: 'Bahubali' Rocket Sends Heaviest Communication Satellite Into Orbit - Watch VideoAST SpaceMobile had launched five satellites, BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024 which provide continuous internet coverage across the United States and other select countries.The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.In an update on Tuesday, ISRO said, "LVM3-M6 is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft tomorrow from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Final countdown begins. Launch on December 24, 2025 at 8.54 am IST."

Where To Watch ISRO's BlueBird Block 2 Satellite Launch

• Space enthusiasts or anyone who would like to watch LIVE ISRO launching its BlueBird Block 2 satellite launch can tune into space agency's official YouTube channel. The launch is scheduled at :24 AM, December 24 today.
• BlueBird Block 2 launch will also be streamed live on ISRO's website and social media accounts.
• People can also visit ISRO's official X, formerly Twitter, page to watch BlueBird Block 2 launch LIVE.
• Here's the direct link to watch ISRO BlueBird Block 2 satellite launch

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan Offers Prayers Ahead of Launch

Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 22.With inputs from PTI