India has taken a significant step forward in its space and commercial launch ambitions with the successful deployment of its heaviest-ever commercial communications satellite into low Earth orbit. On December 24, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile using its LVM3 “Baahubali” heavy-lift rocket, marking a milestone not only for India’s launch capabilities but also for its growing role in the global space economy.

The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, in southern India, at 8:55 a.m. local time. Roughly 15 minutes after liftoff, the satellite separated from the rocket and was precisely injected into its intended low Earth orbit. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed the mission’s success, stating that the LVM3-M6 flight had performed flawlessly and met all mission objectives.

This mission stands out as the heaviest payload ever carried by an Indian launch vehicle, underscoring the maturation of the LVM3 rocket system. Often referred to as “Baahubali” after a mythical strongman from Indian folklore, the LVM3 has gradually evolved into ISRO’s flagship heavy-lift launcher, capable of placing large satellites and multiple spacecraft into orbit. Its success in commercial missions places India in more direct competition with established launch providers from the United States, Europe, and China.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite belongs to AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company pursuing an ambitious goal: providing cellular broadband directly from space to ordinary smartphones without the need for special antennas or ground-based........

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