What happened:
On December 24, 2025, ISRO successfully launched the LVM3-M6 ‘Bahubali’ rocket from Sriharikota, placing the 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit under a commercial agreement with US-based AST SpaceMobile. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated ISRO, calling it the heaviest payload ever launched from Indian soil and a milestone for India’s space programme.
Why it matters to India:
The mission showcases India’s growing heavy-lift launch capability, strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and boosts ISRO’s position in the global commercial launch market. It also reinforces confidence in LVM3 for future missions such as Gaganyaan and expanded international partnerships.