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ISRO’s ‘Bahubali’ Rocket Successfully Launches US Satellite BlueBird-Block 2 After Brief Delay
Sriharikota, India – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its LVM3-M6 rocket, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its powerful capabilities, carrying the US-based BlueBird-Block 2 satellite into space. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
The mission experienced a slight delay of approximately 90 seconds due to concerns about potential debris in the rocket’s flight path and possible collision risks with other satellites. ISRO officials confirmed the delay was a precautionary measure.
The LVM3, India’s most powerful rocket, lifted off at slightly later than the originally scheduled time of 8:54 AM. Approximately 15 minutes after launch, the BlueBird-Block 2 satellite is expected to separate from the rocket.
The 6,100 kg satellite is the heaviest payload ever launched by an LVM3 rocket into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), surpassing the previous record held by the CMS-03 communication satellite launched in November.
The launch was conducted through ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), under a commercial agreement with US-based AST SpaceMobile. The BlueBird-Block 2 satellite is part of a next-generation communication satellite constellation designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to smartphones worldwide. This will enable 4G and 5G voice, video, messaging, streaming, and data services globally, even in remote areas. AST SpaceMobile is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network.
Prior to the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Sri Venkateswara Swami temple in Tirumala to offer prayers.
First Piper 