This morning was not another morning; it was something special for all Indians! This morning (December 24) began with the roar of a rocket that raised the pride of our tricolour with the successful BlueBird Block-2 Mission.
Today, ISRO not only successfully executed that special mission but also gave the public a glimpse of views that are usually restricted to control room screens.
By releasing rare onboard camera footage recorded during the BlueBird Block-2 Mission, ISRO provided the nation with an emotional experience of space travel. This video is packed with thrills, but it also serves as a reminder that behind every successful spaceflight lies countless risks and years of hard work.
BlueBird Block-2 Mission: A Journey Through the Rocket’s Eyes
In the footage shared by ISRO on X (formerly Twitter), the entire journey of the LVM3-M6 rocket can be seen from an incredibly close perspective. Every critical moment from the lift-off at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota to the satellite reaching its orbit was captured on camera.
This video is not just a technical achievement; it is a human effort to connect the general public with space missions.
Clear Glimpses of Every Critical Flight Stage
The footage clearly showcases the various stages of the rocket’s journey, including:
- The powerful take-off from the launch pad.
- The separation of the twin S200 solid boosters.
- The separation of the L110 liquid core stage.
- The shedding of the payload fairing.
- The final, safe deployment of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The mission reached its target within approximately 15 minutes, showcasing ISRO’s precise planning and vast experience.
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‘Bahubali’ Delivers Once Again
The LVM3 rocket, nicknamed ‘Bahubali’ due to its heavy-lifting capabilities, performed flawlessly in this mission. The 43.5-meter-tall rocket launched at 8:55 AM following a rigorous 24-hour countdown process.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan described this success as a “gift of the season” for the country, symbolising the hard work and teamwork of the scientists.
Why is the BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Special?
Weighing 6,100 kg, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is part of the U.S.-based company AST SpaceMobile’s Low Earth Orbit network. Its goal is to provide cellular connectivity directly to mobile phones, without the need for traditional towers.
In the future, this technology could make 4G and 5G calling, video calls, messaging, and data services more accessible. However, implementing such technology on the ground remains a significant challenge.
India’s Growing Space Prowess, But Questions Remain
This was the sixth operational flight of the LVM3. Previously, this rocket had successfully executed major missions like Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb.
While some experts raise concerns that an increasing focus on foreign commercial missions might overshadow domestic research, these missions provide ISRO with the financial and technical strength to grow further.
Conclusion
The BlueBird Block-2 Mission was not just a successful launch; it is a symbol of transparency, confidence, and technical maturity in India’s space journey. The onboard camera footage has brought space closer to the hearts of the common people. Risks will always exist, but ISRO proves time and again that with hard work and courage, even the sky is not the limit.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on publicly available information, official statements, and media reports. Technical details related to the mission are subject to change. Readers are requested to prioritise official ISRO information before reaching any conclusions.
Dr. Bidyut Barun Sarmah, with 22+ years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has worked with AIR, Doordarshan, and the Publication Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A published author and researcher, Dr. Sarmah writes extensively in both Assamese and English. He was also awarded a prestigious fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his study on journalistic literature—an achievement that highlights his depth of scholarship and contribution to media studies. At Nest of News, he leads the editorial team and contributes across diverse topics.