ISRO’s LVM3 ‘Bahubali’ launches record-breaking foreign satellite on Christmas Eve
PTC Web Desk: India’s space programme marked a historic Christmas Eve as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heavy-lift rocket LVM3, carrying the heaviest foreign satellite ever sent to space from Indian territory.
The mission, LVM3-M6, lifted off flawlessly from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 8:54 am IST on December 24, adding another milestone to India’s growing reputation as a reliable global launch partner.
‘Bahubali’ rocket delivers massive 6.5-tonne payload
Nicknamed “Bahubali” due to its enormous 640-tonne lift-off mass, the LVM3 rocket placed AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellite into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of approximately 520–600 km.
Weighing around 6.5 tonnes, the satellite is the largest commercial communication payload ever launched into LEO, making this mission ISRO’s 101st successful orbital launch.
The three-stage launch vehicle , powered by twin S200 solid boosters, an L110 liquid core stage, and the C25 cryogenic upper stage, performed exactly as planned, drawing loud applause from scientists and spectators alike.
Direct-to-phone connectivity: A game-changing satellite
BlueBird Block-2 represents a major leap in satellite communications technology. Equipped with a massive 223-square-metre phased-array antenna, the satellite is designed to transmit 4G and 5G signals directly to standard smartphones, without the need for ground towers or specialised devices.
This next-generation “direct-to-cell” technology is expected to bring mobile connectivity to remote mountain regions, deep-sea zones, deserts, and other underserved areas across the globe.
AST Space Mobile, headquartered in the United States, said the launch marks a critical step toward building a space-based broadband network in partnership with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.
Commercial triumph for NSIL and India’s space sector
The mission was executed under a commercial agreement facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. This marks the third fully commercial flight of LVM3, reinforcing India’s growing presence in the global launch services market.
With increasing demand for reliable heavy-lift launches, the success is expected to attract more international customers and strengthen India’s multi-billion-dollar space economy.
Pathway to Gaganyaan and future missions
Beyond commercial success, LVM3 remains central to India’s long-term space ambitions. The rocket is slated to play a key role in the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, alongside future planetary and satellite missions.
The Christmas Eve launch follows a year marked by major achievements, including Chandrayaan-3 and multiple satellite deployments.
Festive skies and a global message
As the rocket’s bright plume lit up the Andhra Pradesh sky, public viewing galleries erupted in celebration, symbolising both national pride and global collaboration.
With BlueBird Block-2 set to unfurl its massive antennas in orbit, India’s latest space success signals a new chapter in worldwide digital connectivity — delivered with festive flair.
- With inputs from agencies
