ISRO Launches Heaviest-Ever Satellite From Indian Soil Using LVM3
As the 24-hour countdown concluded, the 43.5 metre tall rocket supported by two S200 solid boosters lifted off majestically at 8.55 am from the second launch pad
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, by successfully launching the heaviest satellite ever deployed from Indian soil. The landmark mission was executed using India’s heavy-lift LVM3 rocket—popularly known as Bahubali—from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota.
The LVM3 lifted off precisely at 8:55:30 am, carrying the 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile. The launch proceeded flawlessly, with the satellite accurately injected into its designated Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 520 km.
This mission surpassed ISRO’s previous record set in November 2025, when the 4,400-kg CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) satellite was placed into geostationary transfer orbit. The achievement marks a major advancement in India’s heavy-lift launch capabilities.
The flight, designated LVM3-M6, was the sixth operational mission of the LVM3 vehicle, which continues to maintain a perfect success record. The three-stage rocket is powered by twin solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. Standing 43.5 metres tall and weighing 640 tonnes at liftoff, Bahubali has previously launched flagship missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying a total of 72 satellites.
The mission is especially significant as it deployed the largest commercial communications satellite ever placed in Low Earth Orbit. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite features an expansive 223-square-metre phased-array antenna, representing a technological milestone in the commercial satellite communications sector.
The satellite forms part of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation LEO constellation, designed to deliver direct-to-mobile connectivity worldwide. The network aims to enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, data, and streaming services directly to standard smartphones—without the need for specialised ground equipment.
The launch was conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and AST & Science, LLC, highlighting ISRO’s growing stature as a reliable global partner for high-value commercial space missions.
