The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on Wednesday with the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 mission, carrying the heaviest commercial payload ever lifted by India’s LVM3 rocket. The mission, described as “Baahubali” for its sheer scale, underlines India’s growing role in the global space economy and its capability to take on heavy-lift commercial launches.
The LVM3-M6 rocket lifted off from the second launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 8:55 am, placing a massive 6,100-kg communication satellite built by US-based AST SpaceMobile into Low Earth Orbit. This is the sixth operational flight of ISRO’s LVM3 launch vehicle and its most demanding payload deployment so far.
BlueBird Block-2 is AST SpaceMobile’s largest satellite launched from India and forms part of the company’s ambitious plan to build a global Low Earth Orbit constellation. The aim is to deliver direct-to-mobile connectivity, enabling 4G and 5G voice calls, video, text messaging, data services and streaming without the need for ground-based towers. The project is also seen as a potential challenger to Elon Musk’s SpaceX-led satellite internet ecosystem.
ISRO officials highlighted that this mission demonstrates the reliability and strength of the LVM3, a three-stage heavy-lift rocket powered by solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage and a cryogenic upper stage. With a lift-off mass of about 640 tonnes and a height of 43.5 metres, LVM3 has become the backbone of India’s future human spaceflight and commercial launch ambitions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the mission, calling it a boost to self-reliance and a proud moment for India’s youth-driven space programme. He said the successful heavy-lift performance strengthens the foundation for upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan, expands India’s commercial launch services and deepens global partnerships.
With the BlueBird Block-2 launch, ISRO has not only set a national record but also reinforced India’s position as a trusted player in the competitive global space launch market.
