ISRO Creates History by Successfully Launching Largest Commercial Communication Satellite; PM Modi Congratulates the Team
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again etched its name in history by completing its final and most significant mission of the year. In this landmark achievement, ISRO successfully launched and placed the largest commercial communication satellite, BlueBird Block-2, into low Earth orbit. This historic mission marks a major milestone not only for India’s space program but also for ISRO’s growing presence in the global commercial space launch market.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, developed by American company AST SpaceMobile, was launched using ISRO’s powerful LVM3 launch vehicle, also popularly known as “Bahubali” due to its heavy-lift capability. This mission was completely commercial in nature and highlights ISRO’s ability to handle complex, large-scale international satellite launches with precision and reliability.
The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 8:55 AM. After a flawless flight lasting approximately 15 minutes, the satellite successfully separated from the rocket and was accurately placed into low Earth orbit at an altitude of around 520 kilometers. According to ISRO officials, all mission parameters were achieved as planned, making this launch a complete success.
This mission was executed under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile (USA). It was the sixth flight of the LVM3 rocket and the third commercial mission using this launch vehicle. With each successful mission, the LVM3 continues to prove its reliability and strengthens India’s position as a trusted global launch service provider.
Prime Minister Modi Praises ISRO’s Achievement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride and happiness over ISRO’s success through a social media post. Congratulating the scientists and engineers, he highlighted the role of India’s youth and technological excellence in strengthening the nation’s space program. PM Modi emphasized that the LVM3’s dependable heavy-lift performance has laid a strong foundation for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanded commercial launch services, and stronger international collaborations. He also noted that this achievement reflects India’s growing self-reliance and will benefit future generations.
Why Is This ISRO Mission So Important?
The successful launch of BlueBird Block-2 is highly significant because it greatly enhances ISRO’s credibility in the global commercial space sector. Weighing approximately 6,500 kilograms, BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communication satellite ever placed into low Earth orbit. Handling such a massive payload demonstrates ISRO’s advanced engineering capabilities and its ability to compete with leading global space agencies.
ISRO has previously achieved major successes using the LVM3 rocket, including missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and the OneWeb satellite launches. During the OneWeb missions, ISRO successfully deployed 72 satellites into low Earth orbit across two launches, further proving the versatility and reliability of the LVM3 vehicle.
What Makes the BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Special?
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of a next-generation space-based communication system designed to revolutionize mobile connectivity. Once fully tested and operational, the satellite will enable direct cellular broadband connectivity to standard 4G and 5G smartphones without the need for mobile towers, additional antennas, or specialized hardware.
Currently, mobile networks depend heavily on ground-based infrastructure such as towers to provide connectivity. However, with the deployment of this satellite, mobile signals can be delivered directly from space, potentially eliminating the need for traditional towers in many regions.
This breakthrough technology will make it possible to deliver mobile services to remote and hard-to-reach areas such as mountains, deserts, oceans, and rural regions where network infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Moreover, during natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, or storms—when terrestrial communication systems often fail—the satellite-based network will remain operational, ensuring uninterrupted communication during critical times.
A Major Leap for India’s Space and Commercial Capabilities
Overall, this successful mission represents a major leap forward for ISRO, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable, cost-effective, and technologically advanced space power. It also opens new doors for future commercial collaborations, strengthens international partnerships, and showcases India’s growing leadership in the global space economy.