Wed Dec 24 01:40:56 UTC 2025: Summary:

India’s LVM3 rocket, nicknamed ‘Baahubali’, is set for its eighth mission, carrying the BlueBird 6 satellite from AST SpaceMobile. This mission aims to provide broadband directly to smartphones without special equipment. The launch was slightly delayed by 90 seconds and is now scheduled for 8:55:30 AM. BlueBird 6 is the heaviest payload ever launched by an Indian rocket and features a massive antenna. The success of this mission will mark India’s entry into the commercial launch market and redefine connectivity, though regulatory hurdles in India regarding satellite-based internet remain.

News Article:

India’s ‘Baahubali’ Rocket Set to Launch Broadband Satellite, Signals Major Move in Commercial Space Race

Sriharikota, India – India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), affectionately nicknamed ‘Baahubali,’ is poised to lift off from Sriharikota this morning, carrying the BlueBird 6 communications satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile. This mission represents a significant step for India in the global commercial launch market and could revolutionize mobile connectivity. After a 90-second delay, the launch is now scheduled for 8:55:30 AM.

BlueBird 6, weighing a hefty 6,100 kg, is the heaviest satellite ever launched by an Indian rocket, according to ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. The satellite is designed to beam broadband directly to standard smartphones, eliminating the need for specialized equipment. This groundbreaking technology could transform communication in remote areas and during emergencies.

The 43.5-meter tall LVM3 rocket, with a perfect track record of seven successful missions, including the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing, is proving to be a reliable workhorse for ISRO. This mission marks its third dedicated commercial flight, showcasing India’s growing competitiveness in the multi-billion-dollar space launch market.

AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy a constellation of 45-60 satellites by the end of 2026, aiming to provide global 5G broadband coverage. The satellite’s phased array antenna, spanning 2,200 square meters, is the largest ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit, providing ten times the data capacity of previous systems.

While this mission signifies technological advancement, the legal landscape in India regarding satellite-based internet remains unclear. The technology is currently unlicensed in India, raising questions about future policies.

If successful, this mission will redefine mobile connectivity and establish India as a key player in the burgeoning commercial space sector, challenging established giants like SpaceX and Arianespace.

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