ISRO Releases Rare Onboard Footage of LVM3-M6 BlueBird Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released rare onboard camera footage from its heaviest launch vehicle LVM3-M6, offering a unique rocket’s-eye view of the BlueBird Block-2 mission from liftoff to satellite separation.

The footage, shared on ISRO’s official social media platform, documents every major phase of the ascent and highlights the precision of India’s heavy-lift launch capability.

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ISRO Releases Rare Onboard Footage of LVM3-M6 BlueBird Mission

What the Onboard Footage Shows

The visuals were captured by cameras mounted on the rocket and show:

• Liftoff from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• Separation of the twin S200 solid strap-on boosters
• Separation of the L110 liquid core stage
• Jettisoning of the payload fairing
• Successful separation of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

The footage concludes with the satellite being precisely injected into its intended orbit.

BlueBird Block-2 Commercial Mission Details

The mission involved the successful commercial launch of a next-generation US communication satellite for AST SpaceMobile.

Key mission facts:

• Satellite mass: 6,100 kg
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
• Altitude: ~520 km
• Time to orbit insertion: ~15 minutes after launch

The satellite is part of a LEO constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile connectivity.

Purpose of BlueBird Block-2 Satellite

BlueBird Block-2 is designed to provide:

• 4G and 5G voice and video calls
• Text messaging
• Streaming and data services

These services will be delivered directly to standard mobile smartphones, without the need for specialised satellite phones.

LVM3-M6 Launch Vehicle and Mission Profile

The LVM3, also known as “Bahubali”, is India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.

Key specifications:

• Height: 43.5 metres
• Lift-off mass: 640 tonnes
• Payload capacity to GTO: 4,200 kg
• Three stages:
  • Two S200 solid boosters
  • L110 liquid core stage
  • Cryogenic upper stage

The rocket lifted off at 8:55 am after a 24-hour countdown and performed all mission events as planned.

Past Achievements and Mission Significance

The LVM3-M6 mission marked the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle.

In previous missions, LVM3 has successfully launched:

• Chandrayaan-2
• Chandrayaan-3
• Two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites

ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan described the successful mission as a “season’s gift” to the nation.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational mission of LVM3
• LVM3 is nicknamed “Bahubali”
• BlueBird Block-2 weighs 6,100 kg
• Satellite placed in LEO at ~520 km altitude
• Built for direct-to-mobile connectivity
• Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

Question & Answer

Q1. Which launch vehicle was used by ISRO for the BlueBird Block-2 mission?
(a) PSLV
(b) Gaganyaan L1
(c) LVM3
(d) SSLV
Answer: LVM3

Q2. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite was launched for which company?
(a) SpaceX
(b) OneWeb
(c) AST SpaceMobile
(d) Amazon Kuiper
Answer: AST SpaceMobile

Q3. BlueBird Block-2 was placed into which type of orbit?
(a) Geostationary Orbit
(b) Polar Orbit
(c) Low Earth Orbit
(d) Sun-synchronous Orbit
Answer: Low Earth Orbit

Q4. What is the nickname of ISRO’s LVM3 launch vehicle?
(a) Garuda
(b) Gagan
(c) Bahubali
(d) Trishul
Answer: Bahubali

Q5. Where is ISRO’s second launch pad located?
(a) Thiruvananthapuram
(b) Bengaluru
(c) Sriharikota
(d) Mahendragiri
Answer: Sriharikota

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