Isro To Launch Heaviest LEO Satellite On LVM3 Today

NELLORE: The stage is set for the launch of the LVM3-M6 / BlueBird Block-2 mission from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in SHAR of Sriharikota, scheduled for Wednesday morning at 8.55 am and 30 seconds.

The Mission Readiness Review Committee (MRR) and the Launch Authorisation Board (LAB) granted clearance for the mission on Monday. Following this approval, the 24-hour countdown commenced at 8.55 am and 30 seconds on Tuesday, marking the final phase of preparations, sources at SHAR said.

Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairman V. Narayanan, along with senior scientists, is stationed at SDSC SHAR to oversee the launch of the heaviest satellite ever carried by the LVM3 launch vehicle. Popularly known as ‘Bahubali’, LVM3 has an impressive record of eight consecutive successful missions.

The LVM3-M6 mission marks the sixth operational flight of the launch vehicle and its third dedicated commercial mission. It will place AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing about 6,100 kg, into a 520-km low Earth orbit (LEO) with a 53-degree inclination, making it the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 so far.

Designed to enable direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G connectivity worldwide, the satellite is equipped with a massive 223-sq-metre phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed in LEO.

The launch of such a heavy satellite from India’s spaceport for the first time has generated significant public interest. Nearly 9,000 people have registered to witness the event from the Launch View Gallery at SHAR.

Visitors will be able to watch the launch in real time with the naked eye, while large display screens have been installed to explain the technical aspects of the launch vehicle and the satellite. Pre-launch and post-launch activities will also be telecast live to enhance public understanding of the mission.