The ISRO, on Wednesday, launched a next-generation US communication satellite BlueBird Block-2 onboard its heaviest vehicle LVM3-M6. The 43.5 metre tall rocket supported by two S200 solid boosters lifted off at 8.55 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
After a flight journey of about 15 minutes, the spacecraft BlueBird Block-2 separated and reached its intended orbit at an altitude of about 520 km.
Though the liftoff was initially planned for 8:54am on Wednesday, the launch has now been delayed by 90 seconds – the new time being 8:55:30am.
The space organisation, reportedly, confirmed that the launch was delayed to avoid LMV3-M6’s possible collision with debris or a conjunction with other satellites.
What is the Bluebird Block-2 satellite?
At a massive 6,100 kg, the Bluebird Block-2 will be the heaviest satellite ever launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by an LVM3 rocket. This breaks the previous record held by the LVM3-M5 mission, which successfully launched a 4,400 kg satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The advanced Bluebird Block-2 communication satellite can provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones anywhere in the world.
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The mission is part of an agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), which is ISRO's commercial division, and the US-based company AST SpaceMobile. The latter is building the world's first space-based cellular broadband network, which will be accessible by everyday smartphones for both public and government use. AST SpaceMobile has already launched its first five BlueBird satellites in September 2024 to provide internet coverage across the United States and other regions. The company has partnered with over 50 mobile operators globally to expand its network and services.
LVM3: India’s ‘Baahubali’ rocket
The rocket for this mission, the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 (also known as GSLV Mk III), is a three-stage vehicle designed by ISRO. To get off the ground, the rocket uses two powerful S200 solid rocket boosters for the initial massive push needed for liftoff.
Approximately 15 minutes after launching, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is expected to separate from the rocket and begin its journey in orbit.
The Bluebird Block-2 is part of a larger global constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will provide direct-to-device connectivity. This network is designed to enable 4G and 5G services like voice calls, video streaming, and data for everyone, everywhere. The satellite features a massive 223 sq.m phased array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever sent into low Earth orbit.