India launches heaviest satellite yet

India’s space agency successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite into low Earth orbit from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher, officials said. Carried by an upgraded heavy-lift rocket, the multi-ton commercial payload—built for AST SpaceMobile—is the largest communications satellite currently in orbit and is intended to deliver space-based cellular broadband directly to standard mobile smartphones.

ISRO reported that all stages of the mission executed as planned, with precise engine burns and stage separations placing the satellite into its intended orbit. Mission control celebrated as telemetry confirmed deployment; engineers will now conduct a series of in-orbit tests over the coming weeks before the satellite enters full service. The craft is designed for long operational life and is expected to support high-capacity data transmission, enhanced connectivity across India and neighboring regions, disaster management communications and other services that underpin an increasingly digital economy.

Officials framed the mission as a milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in space capabilities. Launching such a large commercial satellite domestically reduces dependence on foreign launch providers and showcases growing competence in handling complex, high-mass payloads with indigenous technology. ISRO said the rocket used for the mission included several upgrades to boost performance, safety and cost efficiency, underlining efforts to make India a competitive player in the global commercial launch market.

The successful lift adds to a series of high-profile achievements that have elevated the country’s international space profile, including previous lunar and interplanetary missions and the rise of a domestic private space sector. Analysts noted the launch demonstrates India’s increasingly end-to-end capabilities—from satellite manufacturing to launch and operations—which officials hope will attract more commercial business and partnerships.

Government leaders congratulated ISRO’s scientists and engineers, calling the mission the result of sustained investment in science and innovation. Beyond commercial and civilian benefits, the satellite’s capabilities are seen as contributing to national strategic communications infrastructure. As India advances plans for more ambitious projects, including human spaceflight and deeper space exploration, the BlueBird Block-2 mission provides momentum and a tangible example of progress in expanding the nation’s presence in orbit.