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BlueBird Block-2: In a dedicated commercial mission, ISRO on Wednesday, December 24, launched the next-generation US communication satellite BlueBird Block-2 aboard
its heaviest launch vehicle, LVM3-M6, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota Range.
Majestic Liftoff: ISRO launches BlueBird Block-2 aboard LVM3
As the 24-hour countdown ended, the 43.5-metre-tall rocket, powered by two S200 solid boosters, lifted off majestically at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at the spaceport, located about 135 km east of Chennai.
After a flight journey of about 15 minutes, the spacecraft BlueBird Block-2, riding piggyback on the rocket, is expected to get separated and reach its intended orbit at an altitude of about 520 km, ISRO said.
India continues to soar higher in the world of space: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed joy on the majestic liftoff of LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2, he posted on X, stating, "A significant stride in India’s space sector…The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey."
BlueBird Block-2 joins LEO Constellation
The 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. BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of the global LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite.
World’s largest LEO Comms Satellite to enable global 4G, 5G coverage
This constellation would 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, at about 600 km altitude by ISRO.
Till Tuesday, December 23, ISRO had scheduled for lift off at 8.54 am. On Wednesday, the lift off had been revised to 8.55 am.
ISRO sources said the revision was done so that the satellite can be placed in the desired orbit following the change in timings.
"Earlier, the lift off had been planned at 11.30 am, but it was gradually revised, and now, it has been revised to 8.55 am", an official told PTI on Wednesday, December 24.
School Students participated in ISRO's LVM3 M6 launch
School students were present at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to witness the launch of ISRO's LVM3 M6 mission, which carried the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit as part of a commercial deal with US-based AST SpaceMobile.
Calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the students expressed gratitude to ISRO, their schools, and teachers, and shared their hopes of seeing many more Indian space missions and milestones in the future.
About LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2
LVM3, developed by ISRO, is a three-stage launch vehicle comprising 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, a height of 43.5 meters, and a payload capability of 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
ISRO stated that the LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2 Mission is a dedicated commercial mission onboard the LVM3 launch vehicle, which launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of AST SpaceMobile, USA. This mission marks the sixth operational flight of LVM3.
In its earlier missions, LVM3 successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites. The previous launch of LVM3 was the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, which was successfully accomplished on November 2 this year.
With inputs from PTI/ANI.
