LVM3-M6 Mission Highlights India’s Growing Role in Global Space Commerce
India’s space sector is set to achieve another major commercial milestone with the launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite for a United States-based company on December 24 . The mission underlines India’s emergence as a trusted global launch service provider and showcases the expanding commercial use of its heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM3 .
Commercial Mission Using LVM3
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that the LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2 mission is a dedicated commercial launch for AST SpaceMobile . The lift-off is scheduled for 8:54 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota . This will be the sixth operational mission of LVM3 , India’s most powerful launch vehicle currently in service, reinforcing its reliability for high-value international payloads.
Largest Commercial Satellite in Low Earth Orbit
The mission will deploy the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) . ISRO has described it as the largest commercial communication satellite ever placed in LEO and the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil. The satellite forms part of a next-generation constellation designed to revolutionise global mobile connectivity.
Direct-to-Smartphone Connectivity
BlueBird Block-2 satellites are engineered to provide cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones , without the need for specialised receivers or device modifications. Users will be able to access 4G and 5G services , including voice, video calls, and data, even in remote and underserved regions. The system is intended for both commercial and government applications , including disaster response and connectivity resilience.
What to Note for Exams?
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LVM3 is India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle with solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages
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BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit
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AST SpaceMobile focuses on direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity
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LVM3 has launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb missions
Strategic Significance
With a payload capacity of 4,200 kg to GTO and proven cryogenic technology, LVM3 is fast becoming a preferred platform for global commercial launches. This mission further strengthens India’s position in the competitive international space launch market.
Month: Current Affairs - December 24, 2025
Category: Science & Technology, Space, ISRO