North News
New Delhi, December 24
India has successfully launched its heaviest satellite to date after the LVM3 rocket lifted off at 8:24am on Wednesday, carrying the US-built BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft into orbit. Developed by Indian Space Research Organisation, the LVM3 placed the nearly 6,100kg satellite into Low Earth Orbit, marking a milestone for India’s heavy-lift launch capability and its growing role in the global commercial space market.
The three-stage LVM3 launch vehicle consists of two solid strap-on motors, a liquid core stage and a cryogenic upper stage. With a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes and a height of 43.5 metres, the rocket is capable of carrying payloads of up to 4,200kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. A modified version of the LVM3 will also be used for India’s upcoming human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated scientists and engineers on the success of the LVM3-M6 mission, describing it as a proud moment in India’s space journey.
In a post on X, Mr Modi said the launch strengthened India’s heavy-lift capabilities, expanded commercial launch services and reflected the country’s push towards an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, or self-reliant India.
The LVM3 has previously carried major missions including Chandrayaan-2
