The Indian Space Research Organisation achieved a successful launch on Wednesday morning, December 24, 2025, deploying the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into low earth orbit using its Launch Vehicle Mark 3.
The LVM3 rocket took off at 8:55 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’s second launch pad in Sriharikota. Within 15 minutes of liftoff, the satellite reached its designated orbit.
The mission marked two significant achievements for ISRO. The space agency deployed the largest commercial communications satellite into low earth orbit while launching the heaviest payload weighing 6,100 kilograms ever carried by an LVM3 from Indian territory.
“LVM 3 Bahubali rocket M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the USA,” said ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan.
Dr. Narayanan emphasized that this represents the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil using a domestic launch vehicle.
“I am extremely happy to announce the performance of the orbit that we have got is less than two kilometers. This is one of the best performances of any launch vehicle in the global arena. With this mission India has successfully launched 434 satellites for 34 countries,” Dr. Narayanan stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievement on X, writing: “Powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful. With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships. This increased capability and boost to self-reliance are wonderful for the coming generations.”
AST SpaceMobile, USA, developed the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite as part of a next-generation series designed to deliver space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.
“BlueBird block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite. This constellation will 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,” ISRO stated.
According to Dr. Narayanan, the LVM3-M6 mission represented the 104th launch from Sriharikota, the ninth successful LVM-3 mission, and the third dedicated commercial mission, demonstrating the vehicle’s 100% reliability record.
“As all of you recall we had the LVM-3 launch just last month on November 2, 2025. This is also the first time we have a back to back mission of LVM 3 within just 52 days. It is a great achievement and a great target achieved as per the vision of our honorable prime minister of India. This was not an easy task considering the enormous efforts required because it requires very close coordination among various teams at different ISRO centers,” Dr. Narayanan explained.