India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM-3, is poised to place a significant US commercial satellite into orbit on December 24, 2023. This mission represents another milestone in India's expanding role in global space commerce. The operation will be conducted by NewSpace India Limited under a commercial agreement, emphasizing India's growing credibility as a launch service provider for high-mass foreign satellites.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has confirmed that the LVM3-M6 mission will lift off at 8:54 AM from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Originally scheduled for mid-December, the launch date was shifted to December 24 due to internal readiness assessments. The mission aims to place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, also known as BlueBird-6, into low Earth orbit.
NewSpace India Limited is tasked with executing the launch under a commercial contract. While the PSLV has traditionally served as India’s workhorse for foreign satellite launches, the LVM-3 has emerged as a capable platform for heavier payloads. Its commercial debut in 2022 showcased India's ability to launch satellites weighing over five tonnes, thereby expanding its addressable market in the global launch sector.
Developed by AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite weighs approximately 6,500 kg and is part of a planned constellation aimed at delivering direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband worldwide. The satellite boasts nearly 2,400 square feet of phased-array antennas, marking it as the largest commercial array deployed in low Earth orbit. Each satellite is equipped to support high processing bandwidth and provides high-speed connectivity without the need for specialized ground hardware.
The LVM-3 is India's heavy-lift launch vehicle, capable of carrying over 8 tonnes to low Earth orbit. NSIL is ISRO's commercial arm responsible for managing foreign launch contracts. Low Earth orbit typically ranges from 160 km to 2,000 km above Earth. Phased-array antennas enable electronic beam steering without moving parts.
This mission highlights India's transition from a launch-dependent nation to a trusted provider of advanced international satellites. Launching a high-value US commercial satellite using LVM-3 reinforces India's position in the competitive global space economy and indicates growing confidence in its heavy-lift launch capabilities.
Q1. What is the significance of the LVM-3 mission?
Answer: The LVM-3 mission signifies India's growing role in the global space economy by showcasing its capabilities to launch high-mass foreign satellites, reinforcing its credibility as a launch service provider.
Q2. What satellite is being launched on December 24, 2023?
Answer: The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, part of a planned constellation for direct-to-smartphone cellular broadband, is set to be launched into low Earth orbit on December 24, 2023.
Q3. Who is responsible for the LVM-3 launch?
Answer: The launch will be executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which operates under a commercial agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Q4. What is the weight capacity of the LVM-3 vehicle?
Answer: The LVM-3 is capable of carrying over 8 tonnes to low Earth orbit, making it suitable for launching heavier payloads.
Q5. How does phased-array technology benefit satellites?
Answer: Phased-array antennas allow for electronic beam steering without moving parts, enhancing the satellite's ability to provide high-speed connectivity efficiently.
Question 1: What satellite is being launched by LVM-3 on December 24, 2023?
A) BlueBird Block-1
B) BlueBird Block-2
C) BlueBird Block-3
D) BlueBird Block-4
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the role of NSIL in the LVM-3 mission?
A) Research and Development
B) Launch Execution
C) Payload Development
D) Satellite Manufacturing
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How much weight can LVM-3 carry to low Earth orbit?
A) 5 tonnes
B) 6 tonnes
C) 7 tonnes
D) Over 8 tonnes
Correct Answer: D
Question 4: What is the main purpose of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?
A) Weather Monitoring
B) Cellular Broadband
C) Earth Observation
D) Satellite Navigation
Correct Answer: B
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