Published: 23 December 2025DD NewsGeneral
ISRO Launches Heaviest-Ever Payload: BlueBird Block-2 Satellite via LVM3-M6
ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite using its LVM3-M6 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on December 24, 2025 at 8:55 AM IST. The 6,100 kg satellite, developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, is the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from Indian soil and the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit.
The mission was conducted under a commercial contract between ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile. BlueBird Block-2 features a phased array antenna spanning nearly 2,400 sq ft, making it the largest commercial array in LEO. It supports peak data rates of 120 Mbps for direct-to-smartphone connectivity without specialised hardware. This was ISRO's 104th launch from Sriharikota, having now launched 434 satellites for 34 countries.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse the strategic and commercial significance of ISRO's LVM3-M6 mission that placed the 6,100 kg BlueBird Block-2 satellite in Low Earth Orbit for AST SpaceMobile.
Answer (50 words):
On 24 December 2025, LVM3-M6 lifted the 6,100 kg BlueBird Block-2—its heaviest payload—from Sriharikota under an NSIL–AST SpaceMobile contract. The satellite's 2,400 sq ft phased-array antenna enables 120 Mbps direct-to-smartphone service without specialised hardware. The flight was ISRO's 104th Sriharikota launch, having deployed 434 satellites for 34 countries.
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · PrelimsSourceDD News
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Linked questionEasy
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite launched from Sriharikota on December 24, 2025 is described as:
Explanation · Correct answer BAt 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from Indian soil and the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit.
