ISRO to Launch 6,500 kg US BlueBird Satellite on LVM3
Why in the news
After NISAR, ISRO lined up a heavy American communication satellite, showing skill with large foreign payloads.
Key facts
- Block-2 BlueBird: 6,500 kg, 64.38 m² array, direct smartphone broadband without special terminals.
- Carrier: LVM-3-M5, ISRO’s heaviest rocket; site: Sriharikota.
- Uses AST & Science patented technology in the SpaceMobile network.
Significance
- Strengthens India-US space cooperation and builds on the NISAR partnership.
- Showcases India’s growing capability in handling large-scale international payloads.
Exam angle
- Rocket: LVM-3-M5.
- Preceding mission: NISAR.