About BlueBird Satellite Launch:
- BlueBird satellite is developed by AST SpaceMobile, a U.S.-based firm.
- It weighs around 6,500 kg and is set to be launched from Sriharikota by ISRO’s LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).
- The satellite is expected to arrive in India by September 2025.
- This is a major Indo-U.S. space collaboration following the successful launch of NISAR.
LVM3 Launch Vehicle:
- ISRO’s heaviest rocket, used for high-payload missions.
- Capable of launching heavy satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and beyond.
- Human-rated for future crewed missions under Gaganyaan.
Why in News?
- ISRO will launch the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile’s Block 2 BlueBird communication satellite aboard LVM3 in the coming months.

