ISRO's LVM3 rocket successfully deploys US communication satellite
This launch marks a significant step in providing direct-to-mobile connectivity worldwide via a global Low Earth Orbit constellation.
This launch marks a significant step in providing direct-to-mobile connectivity worldwide via a global Low Earth Orbit constellation.
This launch marks a significant step in providing direct-to-mobile connectivity worldwide via a global Low Earth Orbit constellation.
Sriharikota: ISRO's heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6, has successfully placed a US communication satellite into orbit on Wednesday, in a historic mission right before Christmas.
The space agency said that the LVM3-M6 has successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit. The Bluebird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite, which would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times.
LVM3-M6 carried the communication satellite as part of a commercial deal between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), which is the commercial arm of the ISRO, and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).
The 43.5 metre tall rocket soared majestically at 8.54 am from the second launch pad on Wednesday, and after a flight journey of about 15 minutes, the Bluebird Block-2 separated from the vehicle and it was successfully placed into orbit.
Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite would be the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history from Indian soil, the space agency said.
The heaviest payload previously launched was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg, which was successfully placed into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by ISRO on November 2.
The mission is aimed at deploying the next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, which is accessible directly by smartphones and designed for both commercial and government applications.
The LVM3-M6, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-MkIII), is a three-stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
The vehicle uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the huge amount of thrust required for liftoff. The booster has been developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
According to AST SpaceMobile, it has launched five satellites, Bluebird 1-5, in September 2024, which provide continuous coverage across the United States and other select countries.
The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.
The LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight of LVM3 and the third dedicated commercial mission to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft.
The LVM3 has a spectacular pedigree of completing eight consecutive successful launches, including the ambitious Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions, ISRO said.