<p>Chennai: Dubbed as the ‘Bahubali’, the Indian Space Research Organisation (<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/search?q=ISRO">ISRO</a>)’s heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6, on Wednesday successfully placed US’ BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) from <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/search?q=Sriharikota">Sriharikota</a> near here.</p><p> The 43.5 metre tall rocket soared majestically at 8.55 am and placed the 6,100 kg communication satellite into the Low Earth Orbit 15 minutes later. This is the largest commercial communications satellite to be deployed in Low Earth Orbit and the heaviest payload to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil. </p>.<p>The satellite is part of a next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones. This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. The launch was part of a commercial deal between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). </p><p>“I am extremely happy to say that the LVM3M6 ‘Bahubali’ rocket has successfully placed the Bluebird-Block 2 satellite into the intended orbit. Let me congratulate NewSpace India and AST Space Mobile on the outstanding achievement,” ISRO chairman Dr V Narayanan told scientists at the Mission Control Room.</p><p> He added that the satellite was placed in a 518 km circular orbit against the planned 520 km altitude. “It was a textbook launch. The LVM3 rocket has demonstrated its 100 per cent success rate,” the director said. </p><p>The ISRO chairman hailed the successful launch of the Bluebird Block-2 satellite as a “New Year and Christmas gift to Bharat” and gave an update about the Gaganyaan mission, saying ISRO is getting towards accomplishing uncrewed missions.</p><p>The LVM3-M6, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-MkIII), is a three-stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight of LVM3 and third dedicated commercial mission to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft.</p><p>Narayanan said this was ISRO's 9th successful launch using the LMV3 - a three stage heavy lift launch vehicle and that the mission will help us expedite the Gaganyaan mission. </p>.<p>According to AST SpaceMobile, it has launched five satellites, Bluebird 1-5 in September 2024, which provide continuous coverage across the United States and other select countries.</p><p> The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.</p>
<p>Chennai: Dubbed as the ‘Bahubali’, the Indian Space Research Organisation (<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/search?q=ISRO">ISRO</a>)’s heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6, on Wednesday successfully placed US’ BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit from the second launchpad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) from <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/search?q=Sriharikota">Sriharikota</a> near here.</p><p> The 43.5 metre tall rocket soared majestically at 8.55 am and placed the 6,100 kg communication satellite into the Low Earth Orbit 15 minutes later. This is the largest commercial communications satellite to be deployed in Low Earth Orbit and the heaviest payload to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil. </p>.<p>The satellite is part of a next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones. This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. The launch was part of a commercial deal between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). </p><p>“I am extremely happy to say that the LVM3M6 ‘Bahubali’ rocket has successfully placed the Bluebird-Block 2 satellite into the intended orbit. Let me congratulate NewSpace India and AST Space Mobile on the outstanding achievement,” ISRO chairman Dr V Narayanan told scientists at the Mission Control Room.</p><p> He added that the satellite was placed in a 518 km circular orbit against the planned 520 km altitude. “It was a textbook launch. The LVM3 rocket has demonstrated its 100 per cent success rate,” the director said. </p><p>The ISRO chairman hailed the successful launch of the Bluebird Block-2 satellite as a “New Year and Christmas gift to Bharat” and gave an update about the Gaganyaan mission, saying ISRO is getting towards accomplishing uncrewed missions.</p><p>The LVM3-M6, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-MkIII), is a three-stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight of LVM3 and third dedicated commercial mission to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft.</p><p>Narayanan said this was ISRO's 9th successful launch using the LMV3 - a three stage heavy lift launch vehicle and that the mission will help us expedite the Gaganyaan mission. </p>.<p>According to AST SpaceMobile, it has launched five satellites, Bluebird 1-5 in September 2024, which provide continuous coverage across the United States and other select countries.</p><p> The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.</p>