BlueBird Block-2 mission: ISRO successfully launches LVM3-M6 rocket

This is the largest commercial communications satellite to be deployed in Low Earth Orbit

- KALIDAS NEWDELHI

The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) on Wednesday (December 24, 2025) morning successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite in low earth orbit.

At 8.55 a.m., the LVM3 lifted off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and 15 minutes later placed the satellite in the intended orbit.

ISRO accomplished two milestones with this mission as it was able to deploy the largest commercial communications satellite in low earth orbit and also the BlueBird Block-2 satellite became the heaviest payload (6,100 kgs.) to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

"LVM 3 Bahubali rocket M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the Blue-Bird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the USA," ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said.

ISRO lines up 7 launches, including uncrewed Gaganyaan mission by March 2026