ISRO Chairman offers special prayers at Tirumala ahead of major satellite launch

Ahead of the launch of the prestigious Launch Vehicle Mark (LVM)-6/Bluebird Block-2 mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala on Monday for special prayers. The mission, which aims to take ISRO’s capabilities in the global commercial space sector to a new level, underscores the significance of his visit.

Accompanied by senior ISRO officials, Chairman Narayanan offered a miniature model of the LVM-3 rocket to the deity and sought blessings for a successful launch. He noted that visiting Tirumala before every major satellite launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota is a longstanding tradition followed by ISRO.

The LVM-3 launch vehicle is set to deploy the Bluebird Block-2 communication satellite into space on December 24. The mission, conducted entirely on a commercial basis, will carry a satellite built by the U.S.-based company Applied Space Technologies (AST) SpaceMobile.

The Bluebird Block-2 will be the heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil so far, marking another milestone for ISRO. Because of its ability to carry such a heavy payload, ISRO scientists have nicknamed the LVM-3 rocket the “Baahubali Rocket.”

The satellite is expected to expand 4G and 5G communication services significantly, enhancing mobile connectivity worldwide. Experts say it will play a crucial role in the global mobile communication market.

If successful, this mission will further boost ISRO’s reputation in international commercial satellite launches and showcase India’s advanced space technology capabilities on a global stage.