ISRO'S ‘BAHUBALI' ROCKET LAUNCHES HEAVIEST-EVER 6,000 KG US COMMUNICATION SATELLITE

In a historic Christmas mission, ISRO’s “Bahubali” rocket on Wednesday successfully launched a 6,100 kg US communication satellite-- the heaviest by and Indian launcher, into the desired orbit, a feat described by the space agency as the season's gift to the country.

- TDG NETWORK

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a constellation of global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite that would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. The heaviest satellite to be launched from Indian soil was done so using the LVM3 rocket, ISRO said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO for its latest feat.

“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 USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey,” he said in a post on X

ISRO said the LVM3-M6, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its heavy lift capability, injected the satellite into its intended orbit in a textbook launch.

LVM3-M6 carried the communication satellite as part of a commercial deal between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).

NewSpace India is the commercial arm of the ISRO.