ISRO’s Christmas, New Year gift to Bharat Heaviestlaunch fromIndian soil

 

 

 

IN A historic Christmas eve mission, ISRO’s heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6, successfully placed a heavy US communication satellite into orbit on Wednesday, a feat described by the space agency chief as a season’s gift to the country. The 6,100 kg BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a constellation of global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite that would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. It was the heaviest satellite to be launched from Indian soil, ISRO said. ISRO said the LVM3-M6, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ for its heavylift capability, injected the satellite into its intended orbit in a textbook launch. It carried the communication satellite as part of a commercial deal between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).

 

NewSpace India is the commercial arm of the ISRO. On Wednesday, the 43.5 metre tall rocket soared majestically at 8.55 am from the second launch pad here at the end of a 24 hour countdown. After a flight journey of about 15 minutes, the spacecraft got separated from the launch vehicle and it was successfully placed into the orbit, bringing all-round cheers in the Mission Control Centre here. On the successful launch, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said, “I am extremely happy to say that the LVM3M6 Bahubali rocket has successfully placed the Bluebird Block-2 satellite into the intended orbit. Let me congratulate NewSpace India and AST Space Mobile on the outstanding achievement.”

 

The satellite was placed in a 518 km circular orbit against the planned 520 km altitude, he said, describing it as a “textbook launch”. The LVM3 rocket has demonstrated its 100 per cent success rate, he added. Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite is be the heaviest payload to be placed into the LEO in LVM3 launch history from Indian soil, the space agency said. The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg, which was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). According to Narayanan, this is the first time ISRO has launched two LVM3 rockets within just 52 days, following the earlier successful mission on November 2.

 

Addressing his team from the Mission Control Centre post the launch, he thanked them for one of the finest performances of any rocket and said this mission brings India’s total to 434 satellites launched for 34 countries. “The reward for hard work is more work, and we have a lot of programmes on hand,” he remarked. Narayanan hailed the successful launch of the Bluebird Block-2 satellite as a “New Year and Christmas gift to Bharat.” Listing the highlights of the LVM3-Bluebird Block-2 mission, he said, the placing of the satellite precisely into the intended orbit is the best accuracy so far achieved ever on Indian soil. “Today’s launch is also another important one. It is the heaviest satellite to be launched from Indian soil.

 

That has been accomplished today. Close to 6,000 kg, to be precise 5,908 kg, that is the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil and we have achieved it in this mission,” he later told reporters. Highlighting the accuracy of the launch, Narayanan, also the Secretary, Department of Space, said, “We targeted a 520 km circular orbit. We have placed the satellite at 518.5 km altitude, which is 1.5 km less than the target.” “It is one of the best launches made anywhere in the world. And this is the best accuracy so far achieved from the Indian launchers also,” he said. 

 

 

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated ISRO for placing the heaviest satellite in orbit from India using the LVM3 rocket and strengthening the foundation for future missions such as the Gaganyaan. “A significant stride in India’s space sector. The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey,” PM Modi said in a post on X. “It strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market,” the Prime Minister said. PM Modi said the LVM3 launch was also reflective of efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and congratulated hardworking space scientists and engineers.

 

“India continues to soar higher in the world of space! Powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful,” the Prime Minister said. “With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships,” he said. “This increased capability and boost to self-reliance are wonderful for the coming generations,” the Prime Minister said.