ISRO Successfully Launches Communication Satellite Bluebird Block-2 From Sriharikota

ISRO Launches Communication Satellite Bluebird Block-2 From Sriharikota in Its Heaviest-Ever Commercial Mission

Sriharikota

India’s space programme achieved another major milestone as ISRO successfully launched its heaviest-ever communication satellite, Communication Satellite Bluebird Block-2, from Sriharikota. The mission marked the sixth operational flight of the heavy-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-3 and reinforced India’s growing capabilities in commercial and advanced space missions.

The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota on Wednesday morning. Originally scheduled for 8:54 am, the mission was delayed by 90 seconds and lifted off at 8:55:30 am after a precautionary check.

Brief Delay for Space Safety

According to official sources, the brief delay was a safety-driven decision. ISRO detected a possible space debris conjunction along the planned flight path of the rocket. Such conjunctions involve the risk of collision with debris or another satellite already orbiting Earth.

As a precaution, the launch team revised the liftoff time to ensure the rocket’s trajectory remained clear. ISRO later confirmed the updated schedule on social media, highlighting the importance of mission safety and precision in modern space operations.

The smooth execution following the delay demonstrated ISRO’s growing expertise in handling complex real-time challenges during launches.

Mission Overview and Commercial Significance

The LVM3-M6/Bluebird Block-2 mission was a dedicated commercial launch carried out under an agreement between NewSpace India Limited, ISRO’s commercial arm, and a US-based satellite communications company.

This mission holds particular significance as it represents ISRO’s expanding role in the global commercial launch market. With this flight, LVM3 further established itself as a reliable heavy-lift vehicle capable of launching large and advanced payloads.

The satellite separated from the launch vehicle approximately 15 minutes after liftoff and is expected to begin operations in Low Earth Orbit as planned.

About the LVM3 Launch Vehicle

Developed by ISRO, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 is a three-stage rocket designed for heavy payload missions. It consists of two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.

Standing 43.5 metres tall and weighing about 640 tonnes at liftoff, LVM3 can carry payloads of up to 4,200 kilograms to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Its proven performance has made it central to India’s ambitious space roadmap.

In earlier missions, the LVM3 successfully launched high-profile payloads, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and multiple satellite batches for global communication networks.

What Makes Bluebird Block-2 Important

The Communication Satellite Bluebird Block-2 is part of a next-generation Low Earth Orbit constellation aimed at providing space-based cellular broadband connectivity. The satellite is equipped with a large phased-array system designed to enable direct communication with standard mobile smartphones.

Once fully operational, the satellite is expected to support 4G and 5G voice calls, video streaming, data services, and messaging across vast regions of the world. This technology could significantly improve connectivity in remote and underserved areas.

The successful launch positions ISRO as a key player in enabling advanced global communication infrastructure.

National Recognition and Future Impact

Following the launch, national leadership praised the mission, highlighting how India’s space programme continues to grow in scale and impact. The success of LVM3 strengthens the foundation for future missions, including human spaceflight initiatives, expanded commercial launches, and deeper international collaboration.

The mission also underscores India’s push toward self-reliance in space technology while contributing meaningfully to global satellite services.

A Growing Track Record

This launch comes shortly after the successful completion of the LVM3-M5 mission in November 2025, further reinforcing the vehicle’s reliability. With each mission, ISRO continues to demonstrate consistency, technical excellence, and strategic foresight.

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The Communication Satellite Bluebird Block-2 launch from Sriharikota stands as a testament to ISRO’s ability to handle complex missions while meeting international commercial standards.

Looking Ahead

As ISRO expands its commercial footprint and technological capabilities, missions like this signal India’s readiness to play a larger role in shaping the future of global space-based communication.

With safety, precision, and innovation at its core, ISRO’s latest success marks another step forward in India’s journey as a leading space power.

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