The LVM3-M6 / BlueBird Block-2 Mission is set to be a significant milestone in the aerospace sector as it gears up for launch. This dedicated commercial mission will deploy the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile in the USA, aboard the LVM3 launch vehicle. This will mark the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and emphasizes India’s growing capabilities in space technology.
LVM3, crafted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is a highly capable three-stage launch vehicle featuring two solid strap-on motors (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25). With a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes and a height of 43.5 meters, it boasts a payload capacity of 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This versatile vehicle has a noteworthy launch history, including successful missions like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions that collectively deployed 72 satellites. The most recent launch, the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, took place on November 2, 2025, showcasing ISRO’s consistent performance in executing complex missions.
The upcoming LVM3-M6 mission aims to place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit, making it the largest commercial communications satellite of its kind to be deployed in this orbit. Notably, it is also expected to be the heaviest payload launched by the LVM3 from Indian soil, signaling a new achievement for the Indian space program. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite represents the forefront of technology, as it is designed to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones, bridging connectivity gaps globally.
This mission not only highlights technological advancements but also reinforces India’s position in the global space market, as it opens new avenues for commercial opportunities in satellite communications. The successful deployment of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is anticipated to provide significant benefits, enhancing mobile connectivity and contributing to the digital landscape worldwide.