The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its LVM3-M6 rocket on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, achieving a major milestone by placing BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in low Earth orbit.
At 8:55 a.m., the powerful LVM3 rocket lifted off from the second launch site of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The satellite was perfectly placed in its desired orbit 15 minutes after launch, demonstrating the mission’s success.
This launch set two significant records for India’s space programme. The BlueBird Block-2 became the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit, and at 6,100 kg, it is the heaviest payload launched by the LVM3 rocket from Indian soil.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed the mission’s success, stating that the LVM3 “Bahubali” rocket accurately injected the satellite into its intended orbit. He noted that this was the first dedicated commercial launch by ISRO for a customer from the United States and also the heaviest satellite ever launched using an Indian launcher.
Dr. Narayanan emphasized that the mission had performed exceptionally well around the globe, with its precision being the best globally, as the orbit was accurate to less than two kilometres. The launch signal was received with India having launched 434 satellites for 34 nations and so on, thus further solidifying its position in the global commercial launch market.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also very happy with ISRO and he said that this accomplishment is a witness to of India’s space program getting stronger and led by the youth. He further mentioned that the dependable heavy-lift capacity of LVM3 will be a fundamental factor in upcoming missions like Gaganyaan, increased commercial launches, and deeper international cooperation.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is a product of a collaboration between AST SpaceMobile based in the USA and others and it will be a part of the next-gen low earth orbit constellation. The satellite will connect the ground to the net via space and will do that with the help of the usual mobile phone technology. It will also be able to enable 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services anywhere. A giant phased array of 223 square meters is mounted on it, and thus, it has become the largest commercial communications satellite ever placed in LEO.
ISRO informed that the mission of LVM3-M6 marked the 104th launch at the facility in Sriharikota, the ninth successful flight of the LVM3 rocket, and the third dedicated commercial mission, which is an indication of the vehicle’s reliability at 100%.
Dr. Narayanan has raised the issue that it was for the first time that LVM3 missions were done back to back in just 52 days after the last launch on November 2, 2025. He called it a great operational feat that needed a lot of coordination through various ISRO centers and it was in line with the vision of India’s quickly growing space ambitions.
