LVM3-M6 Mission Live: ISRO’s Baahubali Rocket Launches BlueBird Block-2 Satellite
A Historic Achievement in India’s Space Programme
On December 24, 2025, ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) — popularly nicknamed ‘Baahubali’ due to its immense strength — successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. www.ndtv.com+1
A Record-Setting Payload: BlueBird Block-2
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based space communications company, tipped the scales at approximately 6,100 kilograms, making it the heaviest payload ever deployed by an Indian launch vehicle into orbit. The Times of India
This achievement surpasses previous records set by earlier LVM3 missions — notably the CMS-03 communications satellite, which was carried by the LVM3-M5 variant and weighed about 4,410 kg when placed into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit in November 2025. ABP Live
The successful placement of BlueBird Block-2 highlights not only the robustness of the LVM3 platform but also India’s growing importance in the commercial space launch market, where space agencies compete to offer reliable and cost-effective launch services to global customers. ABP Live
About the LVM3 — ‘Baahubali’ Rocket
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), also known as GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO’s most powerful operational rocket to date. Standing 43.5 metres tall with a liftoff mass approaching 640 tonnes, the vehicle uses a three-stage configuration:
- Two S200 solid strap-on boosters
- An L110 liquid core stage
- A cryogenic upper stage (C25)
This combination of propulsion systems gives the rocket impressive lift capabilities — it is designed to carry heavy satellites into various types of orbits and support a wide range of mission profiles, from remote-sensing payloads to deep-space exploration. NDTV Profit
The LVM3 has a strong track record of missions, including major launches such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and commercial OneWeb satellite missions, totaling multiple continuous successes that attest to its reliability. NDTV Profit
Global Connectivity from Space
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite mission is part of AST SpaceMobile’s strategy to deliver space-based broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile phones, without requiring specialized ground equipment. This is expected to benefit remote regions with poor or no terrestrial network coverage. ABP Live
Equipped with a large phased-array payload and advanced communications systems, BlueBird Block-2 represents the next generation of cellular broadband satellites. Once fully operational, it will enable high-speed mobile connectivity — including 4G and 5G services — directly from orbit to ordinary consumer devices. The Times of India
This marks a significant advancement in global telecommunications infrastructure, blending space technology with everyday connectivity needs and highlighting the strategic value of satellite deployments in closing the digital divide. The Times of India
India’s Own Heavy Satellite Success: CMS-03
While the BlueBird Block-2 mission currently holds the record for the heaviest payload placed into Low Earth Orbit by an Indian rocket, earlier this year in November 2025, ISRO’s LVM3-M5 successfully carried and deployed the CMS-03 communication satellite weighing around 4,410 kg — the heaviest communications satellite launched from Indian soil to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The Week
CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, was designed to support a wide array of communications services, including voice, data, and video links across multiple frequency bands. It is expected to provide long-term, secure communication support for India’s maritime domain, especially for the Indian Navy’s operations in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Express
The success of the CMS-03 launch demonstrated improved payload handling and the growing maturity of India’s heavy-lift capabilities. It also showcased advancements such as indigenous improvements to the cryogenic upper stage, which was successfully tested under mission conditions. The Week
Strategic and Commercial Importance
Boosting India’s Space Autonomy
These landmark missions show that India has developed indigenous heavy-lift launch capabilities that support both strategic national needs and commercial opportunities. The successful flights of the LVM3 not only enhance India’s self-sufficiency in deploying significant satellites but also reduce reliance on foreign launch services for heavy payloads. The Indian Express
With CMS-03 strengthening national defense communications and BlueBird Block-2 advancing global commercial connectivity, the LVM3 program now bridges national strategic interests with international partnerships, making India a competitive player in the global space launch sector. ABP Live
International Collaboration
BlueBird Block-2’s launch exemplifies how ISRO and its commercial arm — NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) — are expanding international partnerships. Under commercial agreements, NSIL facilitates the launch services for global companies, bringing foreign payloads to orbit and enhancing India’s footprint in the global space economy. ABP Live
Future Applications and Missions
The continued evolution of the LVM3 platform has implications for future Indian space missions. Alongside commercial launches, the launcher is slated to support critical government missions, including crewed space ventures such as Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight program. NDTV Profit
By successfully demonstrating heavier and more complex payload deployments, ISRO continues to push the boundaries of its launch vehicle technologies, paving the way for more ambitious missions, including deep space exploration, advanced communication constellations, and collaborative international science projects.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the ‘Baahubali’ rocket?
A: ‘Baahubali’ is the nickname for ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), a heavy-lift rocket used to send large satellites and payloads into orbit. www.ndtv.com
Q2: What satellite did the LVM3 recently place into orbit?
A: On 24 December 2025, the LVM3 successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite, the heaviest payload carried by an Indian rocket into orbit. The Times of India
Q3: How heavy was the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?
A: The BlueBird Block-2 weighed about 6,100 kg, marking a record for Indian launch vehicles. The Times of India
Q4: What was an earlier heavy satellite launched by LVM3?
A: Earlier in November 2025, the LVM3-M5 launched CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) weighing approximately 4,410 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The Week
Q5: What is the purpose of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?
A: It aims to provide direct broadband connectivity to standard smartphones from space, improving network access in areas lacking robust terrestrial networks. ABP Live
Q6: Why is this launch significant for India?
A: This launch demonstrates India’s growing capability in heavy-lift launches, international commercial collaboration, and space communication infrastructure. ABP Live
Q7: What future missions might use the LVM3 rocket?
A: Beyond commercial launches, the LVM3 is expected to support crewed missions like Gaganyaan and advanced space exploration initiatives. NDTV Profit
Conclusion
India’s achievement with the LVM3 ‘Baahubali’ rocket placing the heaviest satellite yet into orbit marks a new chapter in the nation’s space journey. By combining technological strength, strategic vision, and international cooperation, ISRO continues to solidify its reputation as a major global space agency. This success not only elevates India’s space ambitions but also inspires future developments in space science, commercial collaboration, and scientific exploration.
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