Wed Dec 24 03:27:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article rewrite based on the provided text:
Summary:
On December 24, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the LVM3-M6 rocket carrying the BlueBird Block-2 mission spacecraft from Sriharikota. This mission, a commercial collaboration between ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and US-based AST SpaceMobile, aims to deploy a communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones globally. The 6,100 kg satellite is the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the LVM3. This is the ninth launch for the LVM3 and its third commercial mission.
News Article:
ISRO Launches BlueBird Block-2 Mission, Ushers in Era of Global Smartphone Broadband
Sriharikota, India – December 24, 2025 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked another milestone in its commercial space endeavors with the successful launch of the LVM3-M6 rocket carrying the BlueBird Block-2 mission spacecraft today. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, signaling the beginning of a new era in global cellular broadband connectivity.
The mission is a result of a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, and US-based AST SpaceMobile. The deployed satellite is designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones across the globe, potentially revolutionizing communication access in underserved areas.
“This launch represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing accessible and affordable communication solutions worldwide,” stated a spokesperson for NSIL.
Weighing in at 6,100 kg, the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft is the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the LVM3 rocket, surpassing the previous record held by the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03. This marks the ninth launch for the LVM3 and its third commercial mission, solidifying its reputation as a reliable launch vehicle.
The 43.5-meter-tall LVM3, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII, is a three-stage rocket featuring a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The LVM3 has a proven track record, having successfully launched missions like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying a total of 72 satellites.
The successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 mission underscores India’s growing capabilities in the commercial space sector and its commitment to leveraging space technology for global benefit.
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