BlueBird Satellite Set for Lift-Off
India Plans Major Satellite Launch Strengthening US Space Ties: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the BlueBird communication satellite, weighing nearly 6,500 kg, in partnership with the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using India’s most powerful rocket – LVM3, by the end of 2025.
The satellite, currently undergoing final testing, is expected to reach India by September 2025, with the mission scheduled to follow soon after. Despite earlier development delays, the mission is now aligned with the revised timeline.
Leap in Global Communication Technology
The BlueBird satellite will enhance space-based telecommunication infrastructure, especially in remote and underserved areas. The project aims to improve global cellular coverage through a space-based mobile broadband system, placing India at the centre of next-generation satellite connectivity efforts.
Static GK fact: LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), also called GSLV Mk III, is capable of launching satellites weighing up to 4,000 kg to GTO and 10,000 kg to LEO.
Recent Success Fuels Momentum
This mission follows the successful deployment of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite, which was launched in July 2025 aboard a GSLV rocket. NISAR is currently in its commissioning phase, focused on tracking natural resources, ice melt, and land surface changes.
Static GK Tip: NISAR is the first satellite to feature dual-frequency SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) from two space agencies for Earth monitoring.
Gaganyaan Project Nears Milestones
India’s landmark human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, is progressing with its first unmanned test flight scheduled for December 2025. Two additional test missions are planned in 2026, followed by a crewed mission in 2027.
Key systems like the crew escape mechanism and orbital module are nearing final stages, while the launch vehicle has already received human-rating certification.
Static GK fact: ISRO’s Gaganyaan aims to place three Indian astronauts in low Earth orbit for up to seven days.
Indigenous Space Station on the Horizon
India is also moving ahead with plans for its own space station, to be named the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. This multi-modular structure will weigh around 52 tonnes, with the first section expected to be launched by 2028. Full functionality is targeted by 2035.
Bilateral Cooperation Remains Steady
Addressing global policy uncertainties, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that India’s space agreements with the United States are stable. He emphasised that current contracts are shielded from political shifts and will continue as planned, showcasing trust in the Indo-U.S. technological partnership.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Plans Major Satellite Launch Strengthening US Space Ties:
| Topic | Detail |
| Satellite Name | BlueBird |
| Satellite Mass | ~6,500 kg |
| Developed By | AST SpaceMobile, USA |
| Launch Site | Sriharikota, India |
| Launch Vehicle | LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) |
| Recent Joint Mission | NISAR (July 2025) |
| Human Spaceflight Plan | Gaganyaan (2025–2027) |
| Space Station Plan | Bharatiya Antariksh Station (2028–2035) |
| ISRO Chairman | V. Narayanan |
| Satellite Purpose | Global broadband coverage |
