LVM3-M6 Rocket Set to Launch on December 24, Announces ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that its LVM3-M6 mission will be launched on December 24, 2025 in Morning. The launch will take place from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota. This mission highlights India’s growing strength in both commercial space launches and human spaceflight preparations.

About the LVM3-M6 Mission

• The LVM3-M6 mission will use LVM3, India’s most powerful launch vehicle.
• Under a commercial agreement managed by New Space India Limited (NSIL).
• The rocket will place the BlueBird-6 communication satellite of US-based AST Space Mobile into orbit.
• This mission marks another important step in ISRO’s role as a global launch service provider, deploying international satellites using Indian rockets.

Significance of the Mission

• Strengthens India’s commercial space launch market through international satellite deployment
• Demonstrates the reliability of LVM3 for high-value missions
• Supports ISRO’s long-term goal of becoming a major global launch service provider
• Acts as a preparation milestone ahead of Gaganyaan uncrewed missions

Role in Gaganyaan Programme

• Beyond commercial launches, LVM3 is central to India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
• In 2026, ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission using a human-rated LVM3, carrying a humanoid robot named Vyommitra.
• These test missions will validate launch, orbital operations, re-entry, and safe recovery before astronauts are sent to space in 2027.

What is LVM3?

• The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is India’s heaviest rocket and is designed to carry high-mass and high-value payloads into space.
• It is also the designated launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan programme, India’s first human spaceflight mission.
• LVM3 has been developed to meet the demanding requirements of crewed missions, deep-space exploration, and large commercial satellites.

Key Takeaways

• Launch Date: December 24, 2025
• Launch Site: Second Launch Pad, SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
• Payload: BlueBird-6 communication satellite (AST SpaceMobile, USA)
• Commercial Role: Mission facilitated by NSIL for global launch services
• Strategic Importance: LVM3 is the backbone of the Gaganyaan programme
• Public Access: Launch viewing available with online registration

Question

Q. Which satellite will be launched on the LVM3-M6 mission?

A. Cartosat-3
B. BlueBird-6
C. RISAT-2B
D. GSAT-20