India's Heaviest Payload Set for Launch: ISRO's Bluebird Block-2 Mission on Wednesday

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its heaviest payload yet, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite, on Wednesday using the LVM3-M6 rocket. The commercial mission, carried out in collaboration with US-based AST SpaceMobile, will see the rocket lift off from the second launch pad at the spaceport at 8.54 am. The Bluebird Block-2 satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, will be the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), approximately 600 km above Earth. This mission marks a significant milestone for ISRO, as it will be the heaviest payload ever placed into LEO by an LVM3 rocket, surpassing the previous record of 4,400 kg set by the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03. The satellite is designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide, making it part of a global LEO constellation for mobile connectivity. This network will support 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services anywhere on the globe. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan paid a visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 23 to offer prayers ahead of the launch. The LVM3 rocket, a three-stage vehicle with a cryogenic engine, will be powered by two S200 solid rocket boosters to generate the thrust required for liftoff. After a 15-minute flight, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite will separate from the launch vehicle. This mission is a key step towards expanding global mobile connectivity, and AST SpaceMobile plans to launch additional satellites to expand network coverage. The company has already partnered with over 50 mobile operators globally and has launched five satellites, Bluebird 1 to 5, in September 2024, providing internet coverage across the United States and select countries.