PM Modi Hails LVM3-M6 Mission as Major Leap in India’s Space Capabilities

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the successful launch of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)-M6, which carried the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, calling it a “significant stride” in India’s rapidly advancing space sector. The mission further strengthened India’s position as a reliable global player in heavy-lift launches and commercial space services.

India’s most powerful rocket, LVM3-M6, lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in Andhra Pradesh, marking another landmark achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The launch placed the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil into its designated Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “A significant stride in India’s space sector. The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of the USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey.” He added that the mission strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces the country’s growing role in the global commercial launch market.

The Prime Minister further noted that the achievement reflects India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting the self-reliance and technological excellence of the nation’s space ecosystem. Congratulating ISRO’s scientists and engineers, he said India continues to soar higher in the world of space exploration and innovation.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh also congratulated ISRO for the successful mission. In his message on X, he said, “Kudos Team ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2. With the visionary patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ISRO continues to achieve one success after another, reiterating India’s growing prowess in space technology.”

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing around 6,100 kg, is the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit by the LVM3 launch vehicle. Previously, the record was held by the LVM3-M5 mission, which launched a 4,400 kg communication satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit on November 2. The latest mission demonstrates ISRO’s enhanced capability to handle heavier and more complex payloads.

BlueBird Block-2 is part of a next-generation constellation of communication satellites designed to deliver space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones. The satellite is expected to support high-speed 4G and 5G services, offering seamless connectivity even in remote and underserved regions without the need for specialised ground equipment.

The mission marked the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle. Standing 43.5 metres tall, the rocket is powered by two massive S200 solid boosters and lifted off at 8:55 a.m., following a 24-hour countdown, from the second launch pad located about 135 km east of Chennai.

According to ISRO, after approximately 15 minutes of flight, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite successfully separated from the rocket and was injected into its planned orbit at an altitude of around 520 km.

The mission was carried out under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)—ISRO’s commercial arm—and the US-based company AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). The successful launch once again underscores India’s growing credibility as a trusted partner in the global commercial space market and highlights ISRO’s role in shaping the future of satellite-based communications.

Team Maverick.