Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Bluebird Block-2, the world’s largest commercial communication satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

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Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched BlueBird Block-2, the world’s largest commercial communication satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The countdown for the launch of the LVM-M6 rocket, carrying a new generation communication satellite from the US, had begun on Tuesday. This commercial mission of ISRO was launched at 8:55:30 AM.

What is ‘BlueBird Block-2’?
ISRO stated that this 6,100 kg communication satellite is the heaviest payload ever placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in the launch history of LVM3. Previously, the heaviest payload was the LVM3-M5 communication satellite-03, weighing approximately 4,400 kg, which ISRO successfully launched on November 2nd.

Features of ‘BlueBird Block-2’
Today’s mission is being conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile. This mission will deploy a next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband service to smartphones. The objective of this mission is to provide direct mobile connectivity via satellite. This network will provide 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services to everyone, anywhere in the world, anytime.

Before the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 22nd for the success of the mission. According to ISRO, the 43.5-meter-tall LVM3 is a three-stage rocket equipped with a cryogenic engine. It was developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. To provide the high thrust required for launch, this launch vehicle is equipped with two S200 solid rocket boosters, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

AST SpaceMobile launched five satellites, BlueBird-1 through BlueBird-5, in September 2024, which are providing continuous internet coverage in the US and several other countries. The company plans to launch more such satellites to strengthen its network and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.