ISRO successfully launched the American BlueBird Block-2 satellite into a precise orbit aboard the LVM3-M6 rocket, marking a significant milestone as it became the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, weighing 5,908 kg. This mission, conducted on December 24, 2025, further solidified ISRO’s capabilities in the global space launch market, achieving a remarkable accuracy of 518.5 km, just 1.5 km below the targeted altitude. The successful lift-off boosts confidence in India’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to send astronauts into orbit, with ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan emphasizing the critical role of the LVM3 launch vehicle in this human spaceflight initiative. Additionally, the mission showcased advancements in the LVM3 rocket, including improved payload capabilities and the introduction of a new electro-mechanical actuator system. The increasing global interest in LVM3, with prospective launches expanding to six annually from 2026-27, highlights ISRO’s growing significance in the international space community and its expanding commercial prospects.