ISRO’s LVM3 Sets New Record with Heaviest-Ever LEO Satellite Launch for US Firm

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Mumbai: India’s space agency ISRO achieved another major milestone on Wednesday morning by successfully launching a high-capacity American communication satellite using its most powerful rocket, LVM3, from Sriharikota.

The launch vehicle lifted off shortly before 9 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit. With a mass of over 6,100 kilograms, the satellite became the heaviest payload ever placed in LEO by the LVM3 rocket, marking a new benchmark in ISRO’s launch capabilities.

This mission was conducted under a commercial arrangement facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, in partnership with US-based space technology company AST SpaceMobile. The launch also marked ISRO’s 101st successful space mission, highlighting India’s growing role in the global commercial launch market.

The satellite is part of an advanced constellation aimed at delivering direct mobile connectivity from space. Once operational, the system is expected to support voice calls, video, messaging, and high-speed data services directly on smartphones without the need for special equipment, even in remote and underserved regions.

LVM3, also known as Gaganyaan-class launcher, is a three-stage heavy-lift rocket powered by twin solid boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. Designed and developed entirely in India, the rocket is capable of deploying large satellites into both low and geosynchronous orbits.

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