Science & Space
LVM3-M6 carries BlueBird Block-2, the heaviest payload on an Indian rocket
LVM3-M6 launched AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird Block-2 (about 6,100 kg) on 24 December 2025, the heaviest payload on an Indian rocket.
On 24 December 2025 LVM3-M6 launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite from the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota and placed it in low Earth orbit. At about 6,100 kg it is the heaviest satellite ever carried by an Indian launch vehicle.
The launch was a commercial one: BlueBird Block-2 belongs to the US company AST SpaceMobile, and the mission was contracted through NewSpace India Limited, ISRO's commercial arm. Seven weeks earlier LVM3-M5 had set the record for the heaviest communication satellite sent to geosynchronous transfer orbit from India.
Test yourself
Question 1
Which satellite did LVM3-M6 launch on 24 December 2025?
- ACMS-03
- BBlueBird Block-2
- COneWeb India-2
- DEOS-N1
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
LVM3-M6 carried the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite.
CMS-03 was the previous LVM3 flight, M5, in November 2025.
- Concept
- LVM3-M6 payload
- Typical time
- 40 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in
Question 2
What record did BlueBird Block-2 set when LVM3-M6 launched it?
- AFirst Indian satellite in geostationary orbit
- BHeaviest communication satellite sent to GTO from India
- CFirst satellite launched from the Second Launch Pad
- DHeaviest satellite ever carried by an Indian launch vehicle
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
At about 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever carried by an Indian rocket, to low Earth orbit.
The GTO record belongs to CMS-03, a lighter satellite sent to a much higher orbit.
Worth noting
Two LVM3 records in seven weeks: heaviest to GTO (CMS-03) and heaviest overall, to LEO (BlueBird Block-2). Match the orbit to the satellite.
- Concept
- BlueBird Block-2 record
- Typical time
- 50 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in
Question 3
Into which orbit did LVM3-M6 place BlueBird Block-2?
- ALow Earth orbit
- BGeosynchronous transfer orbit
- CSun-synchronous polar orbit
- DA halo orbit around L1
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
BlueBird Block-2 was placed in low Earth orbit.
A halo orbit around L1 is where Aditya-L1 sits.
- Concept
- Orbit of BlueBird Block-2
- Typical time
- 65 seconds
- Written from
- pib.gov.in