Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), Dec 23 (PTI) — The 24-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO’s LVM3-M6 rocket carrying the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite commenced on Tuesday, the space agency said.
In a dedicated commercial mission, the heavy-lift LVM3-M6 launch vehicle is scheduled to lift off at 8.54 am on Wednesday from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here. The mission will deploy the next-generation BlueBird Block-2 satellite built by US-based AST SpaceMobile.
Weighing 6,100 kg, the satellite will be the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by an LVM3 rocket. The previous record-holder was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite-03, which weighed about 4,400 kg and was launched successfully in November.
The mission is being undertaken under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones across the globe.
AST SpaceMobile is developing the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, aimed at both commercial and government users. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite will form part of a global LEO constellation enabling 4G and 5G voice calls, video, messaging and data services worldwide.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
According to ISRO, the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3, also known as Gaganyaan-class launch vehicle, is a three-stage rocket equipped with a cryogenic engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. Two S200 solid rocket boosters, designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, provide the thrust needed for liftoff.
About 15 minutes after launch, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is expected to separate from the launch vehicle at an altitude of around 600 km. The satellite features a massive 223-square-metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit.
AST SpaceMobile had earlier launched five BlueBird satellites in September 2024 to provide continuous internet coverage across the United States and select other regions. The company plans further launches to expand its network and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators worldwide.
Category: Breaking News
SEO Tags: #swadesi, #News, Countdown for launch of ISRO’s Bluebird Block-2 Mission begins in Sriharikota