Will ISRO Launch the US' BlueBird-6 Satellite Weighing 6.5 Tonnes on December 15?
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Synopsis
In a significant event for space exploration, ISRO is poised to launch the US' BlueBird-6 satellite on December 15. With its impressive features and capabilities, this launch is a testament to the growing collaboration between India and the United States in the field of space technology.
Key Takeaways
- ISRO is launching the BlueBird-6 satellite on December 15.
- The satellite weighs 6.5 tonnes, making it one of the heaviest commercial satellites.
- It features the largest phased array in low Earth orbit.
- The launch is a collaboration between India and the US.
- New Space India Limited is managing the launch.
New Delhi, December 11 (NationPress) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the BlueBird-6 satellite from the United States, which has a weight of 6.5 tonnes, on December 15.
The BlueBird 6 communications satellite, created by the US-based AST SpaceMobile, will be sent into space using India’s most powerful rocket, LVM3.
As one of the heaviest commercial satellites, it arrived in India from the US on October 19.
According to the company, “BlueBird 6, a US-licensed satellite, is scheduled for launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India on December 15.”
Upon its launch, it will showcase the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit, spanning nearly 2,400 square feet. This marks a significant increase in size, being 3.5 times larger than BlueBirds 1-5 and boasting a data capacity that is ten times greater,” they further noted.
This marks the second collaboration between the US and ISRO. Earlier in July, ISRO successfully launched the $1.5 billion NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR), intended to capture high-resolution scans of Earth while penetrating through fog, dense clouds, and ice.
“NISAR, which launched on July 30, was a joint effort involving NASA, JPL, and ISRO. It was noted as the most expensive satellite ever created globally, deployed by India’s GSLV and perfectly positioned in orbit,” shared V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman, following the launch.
With a weight of 2,392 kilograms, this satellite will scan the Earth's land and ice-covered areas every 12 days, providing high-resolution imagery across a 242-kilometre width, utilizing SweepSAR technology for the first time.
On a related note, the launch of BlueBird 6 is being managed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), which is ISRO’s commercial arm.
The LVM-3 recently placed India’s heaviest CMS-3 satellite, weighing 4.4 tonnes, into orbit on November 2.
This three-stage launch vehicle is capable of carrying payloads of up to 8,000 kg to low-Earth orbit and 4,000 kg to geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Point of View
The impending launch of the BlueBird-6 satellite by ISRO signifies a pivotal moment in international collaboration in space technology. As nations unite in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, this event highlights India's growing capabilities in the aerospace domain while reinforcing its status as a key player on the global stage.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the BlueBird-6 satellite?
The BlueBird-6 satellite is significant due to its advanced technology, including the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit, enhancing communication capabilities.
When is the launch date for the BlueBird-6 satellite?
The BlueBird-6 satellite is scheduled to be launched on December 15.
Who developed the BlueBird-6 satellite?
The BlueBird-6 satellite was developed by AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company.
How heavy is the BlueBird-6 satellite?
The BlueBird-6 satellite weighs approximately 6.5 tonnes.
What rocket will launch the BlueBird-6 satellite?
The BlueBird-6 satellite will be launched aboard ISRO's LVM3 rocket.
