The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the Bluebird Block 2 spacecraft of US-based AST SpaceMobile, lifting off at 8:55 am in the morning at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota. Later, the satellite was put into orbit, the space agency has reported.
“This is the heaviest payload placed into low Earth orbit in the history of LVM3 launches,” ISRO said in a statement.
BlueBird Block 2 is designed to deliver high-speed 4G and 5G voice, video calling, messaging, streaming, and data services worldwide. AST SpaceMobile said the satellite is equipped with a large phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit.
“A significant stride in India’s space sector… The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of the USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey,” taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote.
“This is also reflective of our efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Congratulations to our hardworking space scientists and engineers. India continues to soar higher in the world of space!” he added.
“Kudos to Team #ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2. With the visionary patronage of PM Narendra Modi, ISRO continues to achieve one success after another, reiterating India’s growing prowess in space technology,” Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said.
