Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: India is set to script another milestone in space history as ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, popularly known as ‘Baahubali’, prepares to launch the heaviest satellite ever carried by an Indian launch vehicle, marking a major leap in commercial and technological capability.
Record-Breaking Payload Onboard
The LVM3 will carry BlueBird 6, a next-generation communications satellite developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, weighing nearly 6,100 kg. This makes it the heaviest satellite ever launched by an Indian rocket, surpassing all previous payload records.
India’s Most Powerful Rocket
Standing 43.5 metres tall and weighing about 640 tonnes, LVM3 is ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle. It can place up to 4,200 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and even heavier payloads into Low Earth Orbit, earning it the nickname ‘Baahubali’.
Proven Track Record Of Success
LVM3 boasts a 100 per cent success rate across seven missions, including the landmark Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing in 2023. The upcoming mission, designated LVM3-M6, will be its eighth flight.
Major Commercial Milestone
This mission is LVM3’s third dedicated commercial launch, reinforcing India’s growing presence in the global space launch market and positioning ISRO as a reliable alternative to international heavy-lift providers.
Revolutionary Satellite Technology
BlueBird 6 features a massive phased-array antenna covering about 2,200 square metres, the largest ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit. It is designed to deliver significantly higher data capacity than previous satellites.
Direct Connectivity To Smartphones
Unlike existing satellite internet systems, AST SpaceMobile’s technology enables direct broadband connectivity to standard smartphones, without the need for special terminals or ground equipment.
Boost To Global Launch Competition
The launch highlights India’s entry into the high-stakes commercial space race, competing with major global players such as SpaceX, Arianespace, and Roscosmos for lucrative international contracts.
Expanding Global 5G Vision
AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy 45–60 satellites by the end of 2026, aiming to provide seamless 5G broadband from space and extend connectivity to underserved and remote regions worldwide.
Policy And Regulatory Questions In India
Despite the launch, satellite-based internet services are not yet licensed in India, raising questions about future regulatory decisions related to spectrum allocation and national security.
Transforming Future Connectivity
If successful, the mission could redefine global communication by enabling smartphones to connect directly to satellites, proving critical for remote areas, disaster response, and emergency communications.
