SRIHARIKOTA (ANDHRA PRADESH): In a major boost to India’s commercial space prowess, ISRO’s heaviest rocket, the LVM3-M6, successfully launched the American ‘BlueBird Block-2’ communication satellite into its intended orbit on Wednesday morning.
The mission, executed on Christmas Eve, marks a significant collaboration between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and the US-based firm AST SpaceMobile. The 43.5-metre-tall vehicle took off at 8:54 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and completed its task in just 15 minutes.
Key Highlights of the Mission:
Heaviest Payload: Weighing 6,100 kg, this is the heaviest satellite ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by an LVM3 rocket from Indian soil.
Direct-to-Mobile Tech: The satellite is designed to provide high-speed 4G and 5G cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones, eliminating the need for ground towers in remote areas.
Flawless Track Record: This marks the eighth consecutive successful launch for the LVM3, which famously carried the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions.
The LVM3-M6, also known as the GSLV-MkIII, utilized its indigenous cryogenic engine and powerful S200 solid boosters to achieve this feat, further cementing ISRO’s position in the global commercial launch market. (PTI)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com