ISRO Launches Heaviest Satellite, Challenges SpaceX with Bluebird Block-2

• ISRO's LVM3-M6 rocket launched AST SpaceMobile's Bluebird Block-2, its heaviest satellite (6,100 kg) into LEO.
• This commercial mission, via NSIL, marks a major milestone for ISRO, strengthening its global launch market position against competitors like SpaceX.
• Bluebird Block-2 will provide direct 4G/5G connectivity to ordinary smartphones globally, especially in remote areas, bridging the digital divide.
• The satellite features a massive 223 sq meter phased-array antenna and will orbit at 520-600 KM altitude.
• LVM3, ISRO's most powerful rocket, has successfully completed missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, and this is its sixth operational flight.

Why It Matters: ISRO's record-breaking commercial launch of Bluebird Block-2 boosts India's space economy and global connectivity.