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ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ LVM3 Rocket Successfully Launches US Satellite BlueBird-Block 2 After Delay
Sriharikota, India – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its LVM3-M6 rocket, nicknamed “Bahubali” (meaning “strongman”), carrying the US-based BlueBird-Block 2 satellite into space. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
Originally scheduled for 8:54 AM, the launch was delayed by 90 seconds due to concerns about potential debris or the risk of collision with other satellites in the rocket’s trajectory. ISRO confirmed the delay, stating that it was a precautionary measure to ensure a safe and successful mission.
The LVM3, India’s most powerful rocket, deployed the 6,100 kg BlueBird-Block 2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) approximately 15 minutes after liftoff. This marks the heaviest payload launched by the LVM3 rocket into LEO, surpassing the previous record held by the CMS-03 communication satellite launched in November.
This launch is a commercial agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC). The BlueBird-Block 2 satellite is designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to smartphones globally, forming part of a global LEO constellation for mobile communications. AST SpaceMobile is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network enabling smartphones to connect directly to satellites for 4G and 5G voice, video, messaging, and data services worldwide.
Prior to the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala to offer prayers for the mission’s success.
First Piper 