SRIHARIKOTA, Dec 24: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) on Wednesday morning successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite in low earth orbit.

At 8.55 a.m., the LVM3 lifted off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and 15 minutes later placed the satellite in the intended orbit.

ISRO accomplished two milestones with this mission as it was able to deploy the largest commercial communications satellite in low earth orbit and also the BlueBird Block-2 satellite became the heaviest payload (6,100 kgs.) to be launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

“LVM 3 Bahubali rocket M6 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite in the intended orbit. This is the first dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the USA,” ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said.

Dr. Narayanan added that this is the heaviest satellite ever lifted from Indian soil using an Indian launcher.

“I am extremely happy to announce the performance of the orbit that we have got is less than two kilometers. This is one of the best performances of any launch vehicle in the global arena. With this mission India has successfully launched 434 satellites for 34 countries,” Dr. Narayanan added.

“Powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful. With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships. This increased capability and boost to self-reliance are wonderful for the coming generations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.

The BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite is developed by AST SpaceMobile, USA and 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.

“BlueBird block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite . This constellation will enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data for everyone, everywhere, at all times. It features a 223m² phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit,” ISRO said.

Dr. Narayanan said that the LVM3-M6 mission was the 104th launch from Sriharikota and also the ninth successful mission of the LVM-3 launch vehicle and the third dedicated commercial mission demonstrating its 100% reliability.

“As all of you recall we had the LVM-3 launch just last month on November 2, 2025. This is also the first time we have a back to back mission of LVM 3 within just 52 days. It is a great achievement and a great target achieved as per the vision of our honorable prime minister of India. This was not an easy task considering the enormous efforts required because it requires very close coordination among various teams at different ISRO centers,” Dr. Narayanan said.

Bharti Airtel appoints Shashwat Sharma as MD & CEO for 5 years

NEW DELHI, Dec 18: Telecom major Bharti Airtel on December 18 appointed Shashwat Sharma as MD & CEO for 5 years, effective January 1, 2026.

"Shashwat Sharma is currently the CEO Designate at Bharti Airtel, leads the Consumer Business for the Company. In addition, he has worked closely with the current CEO, Gopal Vittal, getting a deep understanding across all business and functions. In his earlier roles, Shashwat has led the Consumer business and has worked as Chief Operating Officer of Airtel responsible for all operations. He has had a strong track record of performance and creating meaningful impact across all the areas he has worked on," said Airtel in a stock exchange filing.

Gopal Vittal will move to the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel on January 1, 2026, overseeing the company and its subsidiaries.

"In his new role, besides oversight of the companies, Gopal will also be responsible for driving group synergies in the areas of digital and technology, network strategy, procurement and talent. He will also focus on Group strategy and future proofing the organization for the next evolution of its development," said Airtel.

ISRO Launches Its Heaviest Communication Satellite

NEW DELHI, Nov 2: In a milestone for India’s space sector, the Indian Space and Research Station (ISRO) launched its heaviest satellite onboard an Indian rocket, dubbed as ‘Bahubali’, at 5:26 pm on Sunday.

ISRO launched its CMS-03 communication satellite, weighing 4,410 kg, to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) onboard the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3-M5 rocket, known as ‘Bahubali’ for its heavy-lift capability.

This is the heaviest satellite to be launched from Indian soil and into a GTO, according to the space agency. This is also ISRO’s heaviest satellite to be launched using a home-made rocket.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the launch, calling it a new stride in India’s space sector. “Congratulations ISRO on the successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03," he said on X.

“Powered by our space scientists, it is commendable how our space sector has become synonymous with excellence and innovation. Their successes have furthered national progress and empowered countless lives," he added.