Space
BlueBird Block-2 Mission
- Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the 6,500 kg BlueBird communications satellite on December 24 from Sriharikota.
- The communication satellite developed by the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile will be launched as part of the LVM3-M6 mission.
- LVM3-M6 will place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, into the Low Earth Orbit and is the largest commercial communications satellite to be deployed in Low Earth Orbit.
- This satellite will be used to provide mobile connectivity and high-speed 5G internet service to remote areas.
- It will also be the heaviest payload to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.
- The satellite is part of a next generation of BlueBird Block-2 communication satellites, designed to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones.
- LVM3
- The LVM3 is India’s most powerful launcher built entirely with domestic technology developed by ISRO
- LVM3 successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying 72 satellites.
- LVM3 is the new heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO for achieving a 4000 kg spacecraft launching capability to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit)
New Space India Limited (NSIL) undertakes foreign satellite launch missions.
- NewSpace India Limited
- It was established in 2019.
- NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Its primary responsibility is to enable Indian industries to undertake high-technology space-related activities.
- Headquarters: Bengaluru
