ISRO BlueBird Block-2 launch: LVM3-M6 places BlueBird Block-2 into its intended orbit

ISRO’s heavy-lift set in motion Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-M6) was launched on wed morning time after a legal brief hold up of 90 seconds. The LVM3-M6 was finally launched at 8.55am.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft was scheduled to launch at 8.54 AM IST from the second launch pad at Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota spaceport on Wednesday, December 24.

The Live streaming for the event began at 8:25 AM.

After a flight of about 15 minutes from liftoff, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is expected to separate from the launch vehicle.

The ISRO said that this historic mission would deploy the next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.

ISRO shared an update on their X account saying, “The LVM3-M6 mission has successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted on X after the successful launch of LVM3-M6. The PM posted, "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.

It strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market.

This is also reflective of our efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Congratulations to our hardworking space scientists and engineers.

India continues to soar higher in the world of space!"

On the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2, ISRO chairman V Narayanan says, “I am extremely happy to announce that LVM3-M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbits.”

Narayanan further added, "This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from USA that is AST SpaceMobile. This is our 104th launch from Sriharikota. Also, the ninth successive successful mission of LVM three launch vehicle demonstrating its 100 per cent reliability. This is also the first time we have a back to back mission of LVM3 within just 52 days. It's a great achievement and a great target achieved as per the vision of our Prime Minister of India."

The successful launch of the Bluebird Block-2 satellite onboard an LVM3-M6 rocket has enhanced confidence in India's human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said on Wednesday.

Abel Avellan, founder and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, welcomed the successful launch of the BlueBird 6 satellite by India, congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ISRO and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) on what he described as a landmark achievement in commercial space communications.

In a post shared on X, Avellan said, "Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi, @isro, and @NSIL_India on the successful launch of our BlueBird 6 satellite--the largest-ever commercial communications satellite in low Earth orbit."

Emphasising the coordination involved in the mission, he said, "Perfect execution from both teams in India and the U.S."

Giving an update on the spacecraft after launch, Avellan added, "We are now in control of BlueBird 6 from our D.C. Command centre and with nominal telemetry!"

EAM Jaishankar also posted on X congratulating ISRO for LVM3-M6 launch on 24 December. He wrote:

'Congratulations to Team ISRO on the successful launch of LVM3-M6 ‘Bahubali’ 🚀, placing the 6+ tonnes Bluebird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit.

This launch of the heaviest payload ever from Indian soil reflects 🇮🇳’s growing technological prowess and success of AatmanirbharBharat under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi"

The ISRO’s heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-M6) was launched at 8.55am, after a brief 90 seconds delay.

According to an NDTV report, the delay was caused due to a possible space debris conjunction along the flight path.

The report claimed that ISRO detected a potential risk of collision involving debris or another satellite passing through the rocket’s trajectory.

In a post on X, ISRO confirmed the revised schedule, stating, “Launch Day for #LVM3M6. LVM3-M6 lifts off today at 08:55:30 IST with BlueBird Block-2 from SDSC SHAR."

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.

Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO on the successful liftoff. “Kudos Team #ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2. With the visionary patronage of PM Narendra Modi, ISRO continues to achieve one success after another, reiterating India’s growing prowess in Space technology”, the Union minister posted on X.

ISRO's heaviest rocket LVM3-M6 is 43.5 metre tall, supported by two S200 solid boosters lifted off majestically at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at this spaceport, situated about 135 km east of Chennai.

The LVM3-M6 rocket is carrying a next-generation US communication satellite BlueBird Block-2.

BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of the global LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite.

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, about 600 km altitude by ISRO.

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