Why in the News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is scheduled to launch the BlueBird 6 satellite, developed by US based AST SpaceMobile, on 21 December 2025 using India’s heavy lift rocket LVM 3.
About BlueBird 6 Satellite
• Developer: AST SpaceMobile USA
• Purpose: Provides direct to device internet connectivity, enabling normal mobile phones to access broadband without dependence on ground based cell towers
• Weight: Around 6.5 tonnes, making it among the heaviest commercial satellites launched by ISRO
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit LEO
• Technology: Equipped with one of the largest phased array antennas ever deployed in space, covering nearly 2,400 square feet
• Capable of direct communication with standard smartphones
• Significance: Enhances global mobile broadband connectivity, particularly in remote and rural regions
• Strategic importance: Strengthens Indo US space cooperation and expands commercial space launch collaboration
• Future impact: Helps bridge the digital divide by providing internet access in regions without cellular infrastructure
About LVM 3
• Full name: Launch Vehicle Mark 3
• Also called GSLV Mk III or Bahubali
• India’s heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO
• Designed for large satellite launches and human spaceflight missions
| With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, Consider the following statements: (2018)
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only |
