ISRO Chief Seeks Divine Blessings Ahead of ‘Bahubali’ Launch
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch its LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2 Mission, a dedicated commercial mission aboard the LVM3 launch vehicle on Wednesday
Nellore: Isro chairman Dr V. Narayanan on Monday offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala and the Sri Chengalamma Parameswari temple in Sullurpet, seeking divine blessings ahead of the LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2 Mission scheduled for launch on December 24 at 8.54 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Dr Narayanan announced that the 24-hour countdown for the launch would begin at 8.54 am on December 23. He was accompanied by senior Isro officials, including SHAR Group head (management systems) Gopikrishna.
At Tirumala, the Isro chief offered prayers by placing a miniature replica of the LVM3 rocket, popularly known as “Bahubali”, at the feet of the lord Venkateshwara. Vedic scholars blessed him at the Asthana Mandapam and presented teertha and prasadam. The mission involves the launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile under a commercial agreement. The satellite is the heaviest ever to be launched from Indian soil and is designed to support 4G and 5G communication services.
Speaking to reporters, Dr Narayanan said all preparations were progressing as scheduled and added that ISRO has lined up several important missions in the coming year, highlighting its expanding launch programme and growing global role.