24 Dec 2025
At 6,100 kg, the American-made BlueBird Block-2 satellite is the heaviest satellite ever launched by India.
On December 24th, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the US’ BlueBird Block-2 satellite using its LVM-3 rocket into the earth’s lower orbit.
Built by AST SpaceMobile, this satellite is part of a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, which provides direct-to-smartphone broadband. It enables 4G/5G connectivity without special devices or ground stations.
This mission marks ISRO’s third fully commercial LEO launch using LVM-3. It strengthens India’s global position and enhances the nation’s heavy-lift capabilities at a lower price than international players.
This is LVM-3’s ninth successful mission. It was previously used for Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, as well as the OneWeb satellite launch. Its upgraded version will be used for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
India is planning to build its first space station – Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). It will be a 52-tonne modular space station, orbiting at around 450 km above the Earth.
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