India’s Heaviest Rocket LVM3-M6 Deploys US Satellite into Low Earth Orbit

ISRO celebrated a historic Christmas Eve with the successful launch of its heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6, which placed the 6,100-kg US BlueBird Block-2 satellite into low Earth orbit from Sriharikota. The 43.5-metre rocket lifted off at 8:54 am and completed the 15-minute mission, marking the heaviest payload ever deployed to LEO by an LVM3 from India.

The launch, part of a commercial deal between NewSpace India Ltd and AST SpaceMobile, supports a global LEO network providing direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G connectivity, including calls, messaging, streaming and data. LVM3-M6 or GSLV-MkIII, is a three-stage heavy-lift rocket with cryogenic engines and twin S200 solid boosters, marking its sixth operational flight and third commercial launch, continuing ISRO’s record of consecutive successful missions, including Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.