World’s heaviest satellite Bluebird Block-3 successfully launched from ISRO’s strongman LVM3-M6.

New Delhi. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the Bluebird Block-2 communication satellite of American company AST Spacemobile from its most powerful rocket LVM3 at 8.55 am on Wednesday. This is the sixth operational flight of this rocket (LVM3-M6).

This mission is being carried out under the agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and AST Spacemobile. This mission will deploy the world’s largest commercial communications satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), providing high-speed internet to ordinary smartphones directly from space.

Features of Bluebird Block-2 Satellite
Bluebird Block-2 AST is part of Spacemobile’s next generation communications satellites series. This satellite has been designed to provide mobile connectivity in areas around the world where ground networks cannot reach. The main features are as follows…
Weight: Approximately 6100 to 6500 kg (This is the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from Indian soil).
Size: It has a phased array antenna of 223 square meters (about 2,400 square feet), making it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in low Earth orbit.
Capacity: It supports 4G and 5G networks. Will provide high-speed broadband to ordinary smartphones directly from space.
Speed: Peak data speeds of up to 120Mbps per coverage cell, supporting voice calls, video calls, text, streaming and data services.
Purpose: This satellite is part of AST Spacemobile’s global constellation, which will provide 24/7 connectivity around the world. With this, mobile network will reach even in remote areas, seas and mountains.
Previous Satellites: The company launched Bluebird 1-5 satellites in September 2024, which are providing continuous internet coverage in the US and some other countries. Block-2 has 10 times more bandwidth capacity.
This satellite will be deployed in a low earth orbit with an altitude of about 600 kilometers.

Features of LVM3 Rocket
LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), earlier known as GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO’s most powerful rocket. ISRO has developed it completely with indigenous technology. Key Specifications…
Height: 43.5 meters
Lift-off weight: 640 tons
Stage: Three stage rocket
Two Solid Strap-On Boosters (S200)
Liquid Core Stage (L110)
Cryogenic Upper Stage (C25)
Payload Capacity: In Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO): Up to 4,200 kg. In Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Up to 8,000 kg.
Previous successful missions: LVM3 has successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and two OneWeb missions (total 72 satellites). Its previous mission was LVM3-M5/CMS-03, which was successful on 2 November 2025.

This rocket is a symbol of India’s space capability and will also be used for the future Gaganyaan manned mission. This mission will set a new record in ISRO’s commercial launches. AST Spacemobile is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, which will compete with services like Starlink. Launching from India will strengthen ISRO’s global launch services.

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