BlueBird Satellite Launch Set for December 24

India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM-3 is set to place a major US commercial satellite into orbit on December 24, marking another milestone in the country’s expanding role in global space commerce. The mission will be executed by NewSpace India Limited under a commercial agreement, highlighting India’s growing credibility as a launch service provider for high-mass foreign satellites.

Launch Schedule and Mission Profile

Indian Space Research Organisation has confirmed that the LVM3-M6 mission will lift off at 8.54 am from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission was initially planned for mid-December but was rescheduled to December 24 following internal readiness assessments. The launch will place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, also referred to as BlueBird-6, into low Earth orbit.

Role of NSIL and LVM-3 Vehicle

NewSpace India Limited is responsible for executing the launch under a commercial contract. While the PSLV has historically been India’s workhorse for foreign satellite launches, the LVM-3 has emerged as a platform for heavier payloads. Its commercial debut in 2022 demonstrated India’s capability to launch satellites weighing well over five tonnes, expanding its addressable market in the global launch sector.

BlueBird Satellite Capabilities

Developed by AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite weighs around 6,500 kg and forms part of a planned constellation designed to deliver direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband globally. The satellite features nearly 2,400 square feet of phased-array antennas, making it the largest commercial array deployed in low Earth orbit. Each satellite supports high processing bandwidth and is designed to deliver high-speed connectivity without specialised ground hardware.

What to Note for Exams?

• LVM-3 is India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying over 8 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
• NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO handling foreign launch contracts.
• Low Earth orbit typically ranges from 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth.
• Phased-array antennas allow electronic beam steering without moving parts.

Strategic Significance for India’s Space Programme

The mission underscores India’s transition from a launch-dependent nation to a trusted provider for advanced international satellites. Launching a high-value US commercial satellite using LVM-3 reinforces India’s position in the competitive global space economy and signals growing confidence in its heavy-lift launch capabilities.