Captain Shubman Gill was candid in his assessment during the post match press conference, identifying a lack of clinical execution as the primary differentiator. The aura of invincibility that once surrounded Team India in home conditions has suffered a significant blow
The death toll from a horrific fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan's Karachi has risen to 14 after rescue teams found eight more bodies from the building rubble. The fire, which broke out on Saturday (January 17, 2026) night at the Gul Plaza
A legal notice has been sent to the makers of O Romeo by Hussain Ustara's daughter, Sanober Sheikh. In the notice, she claimed that she believes there is a wrong portrayal of her father in the Vishal Bhardwaj directorial. She has asked for compensation of Rs 2 crores to be paid within seven days
Today Gold, Silver Rate January 19: Check 18, 22, 24 carat Gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata Gold has been regarded as one of the safest investments for many years because it has a proven track record of preserving wealth during periods of inflation and market volatility
Just weeks after being subjected to intense trolling and criticism over her song Candy Shop, singer Neha Kakkar has announced that she is stepping away from the spotlight for a while. The singer revealed that she is taking a break from both her personal and professional life
West Indies and Afghanistan face off in a three-match T20I series, starting on Monday in an attempt to finetune their preparations ahead of next month's T20 World Cup 2026. With just less than a month to go for the mega event, the T20I series in Dubai will evaluate both team's bench strengths
Chennai: The makers of director Merlapaka Gandhi's upcoming Indo-Korean horror comedy, tentatively being referred to as #VT15 and featuring Telugu actor Varun Tej in the lead, have now announced the title of the film as 'Korean Kanakaraju' The production house First Frame Entertainments took to its
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during talks with Poland's Deputy PM Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi, slammed the selective targeting of India over the Russia-Ukraine war as "unfair and unjustified", whilealso calling out cross-border terrorism.External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Countdown for launch of ISRO's Bluebird Block-2 Mission begins in Sriharikota

ISRO's LVM3-M6 rocket commenced its 24-hour countdown for the launch of a new generation US communication satellite, Bluebird Block-2. This dedicated commercial mission, scheduled for December 24, 2025, will deploy the heaviest payload to Low Earth Orbit in LVM3 history, weighing 6,100 kg.
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The 24-hour countdown for the launch of LVM3-M6 rocket, which will carry a new generation US communication satellite, commenced here on Tuesday, ISRO said.
In a dedicated commercial mission, ISRO is scheduled to launch the Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft on board its heavy lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6 at 8.54 am from the second launch pad at this spaceport on Wednesday.
Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite would be the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history, the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said.
The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg that was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Wednesday's mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). NewSpace India Ltd is the commercial arm of ISRO.
In an update on Tuesday, ISRO said, "LVM3-M6 is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft tomorrow from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Final countdown begins. Launch on December 24, 2025 at 8.54 am IST."
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 22.
The historic mission would deploy the next generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, which is accessible directly by smartphones and designed for both commercial and government applications.
According to the Indian space agency, the 43.5 metre tall LVM3, also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III, is a three stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
The vehicle uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the huge amount of thrust required for lift off. The booster has been developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
After a flight of about 15 minutes from liftoff, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is expected to get separated from the launch vehicle.
BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite.
This constellation would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times. It features a 223 m 2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite every deployed into low Earth Orbit, about 600 km altitude.
AST SpaceMobile had launched five satellites, BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024 which provide continuous internet coverage across the United States and other select countries.
The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: Motorola to launch neMoto Watch alongside Motorola Signature on 23 January Maruti Suzuki E Vitara to launch in January Vivo X200T India launch imminent PM Modi to launch NDA's TN campaign on January 23 Shadowfax IPO GMP Jumps Ahead Of Launch NASA’s Artemis II rocket reaches launch pad as space agency prepares first crewed mission around the moon since 1972 OnePlus 15T expected launch date Realme P4 Power 5G Likely To Launch With 10 Realme P4 Power 5G confirmed for India launch US believes its power matters more than international law
Celebrate Basant Panchami 2026 In Style With Sai Pallavi-Inspired Elegant Looks For Saraswati Puja Outfits for Basant Panchami 2026: Basant Panchami, also known as the Vasant Panchami, is celebrated across India. The festival of joy and hopeful celebrations marks the preparation for the beginning
40 minutes ago
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has opened registrations for Karnataka NEET PG counselling 2025 round 3 after the qualifying cut-off was reduced to 0 percentile. Eligible candidates can apply for round 3 on the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in, till January 26
40 minutes ago
The Los Angeles Rams secured a nail-biting win in Chicago to beat the Bears in the NFL play-offs and follow the New England Patriots into the Conference Championships. After leading the Bears to a record number of comeback victories this season
40 minutes ago
Bangladesh's T20 World Cup participation hangs in the balance. A final decision is due January 21. The team's travel to India remains uncertain. The ICC has refused schedule changes. Scotland is the likely replacement if Bangladesh withdraws. The tournament is just three weeks away
40 minutes ago
Ja Morant insists there should be no confusion about where his future lies: with the Memphis Grizzlies. Amid growing speculation that the Grizzlies are open to trade offers for their former franchise cornerstone, Morant delivered both a statement performance and a pointed response following
41 minutes ago
The BJP has begun electing its next national president, with Nitin Nabin nominated by senior leaders. Backed by the party and facing no challengers, the 45-year-old is set to be elected unopposed and could be its youngest president. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally initiated
41 minutes ago
A huge explosion at a factory in northern China has killed four people and injured 84 others, with six people still missing, state media reported. The blast happened at around 15:00 local time (07:00 GMT) Sunday at Baogang United Steel plant in Inner Mongolia, causing noticeable tremors in the area
41 minutes ago
Kamakhya-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Ticket Booking: Indian Railways (IR) has started ticket bookings for the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, the semi-high-speed train service will operate between Howrah and Guwahati in
41 minutes ago
Every January, the third Monday earns an ominous reputation – the so-called Blue Monday, often dubbed the most depressing day of the year. While the concept itself may lack scientific grounding, the emotions it reflects are far from fictional. As winter deepens
41 minutes ago
China said its economy expanded by 5% last year, meeting Beijing's official target as a record trade surplus boosted growth. The world's second-largest economy reached its goal despite growth slowing to 4.5% in the final three months of 2025
41 minutes ago
Google's new Gemini experiments continue and after bringing personal intelligence for advanced AI tasks, the company is offering a more functional feature for millions. Gemini app now offers a new ‘Answer Now' mode which as the name suggests is there to help users with quicker responses for
41 minutes ago
Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran's late shah, has said that the struggle unfolding in Iran is no longer about reform but about “occupation and liberation," saying the Iranian people have called on him to lead and announcing his intention to return to the country.Reza Pahlavi
41 minutes ago
Nearly 3,000 global leaders from business and government are gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum. Discussions will cover economic disparity, climate change, and technology. U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the prominent attendees
41 minutes ago
Trade tensions and a reversal in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom are among the main risks to global economic growth, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. Its comments came in its latest world economic outlook, where it described the global economy as "steady"
41 minutes ago
Will Bangladesh take part in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? A final decision, especially regarding the team travelling to India, is expected on 21 January, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was informed of this deadline by the International Cricket Council (ICC)
41 minutes ago
The Supreme Court on Monday told the Election Commission to publish the names of about 1.2 crore persons against whom the poll panel had raised “logical discrepancy” objections during the special intensive revision exercise in West Bengal, Bar and Bench reported
41 minutes ago
In 2025, Bengaluru did not merely eat to survive. It ate to cope, celebrate, unwind, and sometimes just because it could. From dawn to well past midnight, food orders mapped the city's moods and momentum. By the end of the year, the numbers on Swiggy told a story that bordered on unbelievable
41 minutes ago
Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has voiced strong criticism regarding the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise in West Bengal. He described the process as "sheer harassment" and lacking clarity. Bose stated that while the revision is important
41 minutes ago
As the countdown to the Union Budget 2026 begins, attention is turning to a crucial document that sets the context for the government's fiscal decisions — the Economic Survey. Often described as the report card of the Indian economy, the survey offers a detailed assessment of where the
41 minutes ago
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro continues to position itself in the high-end category, while Chinese brands OnePlus and Oppo also offer powerful alternatives at lower price points. When it comes to buying a smartphone, buyers usually focus on price, features, camera, battery, display, build quality
41 minutes ago
In its World Economic Outlook Update, the IMF said the upward revision reflects a “better-than-expected outturn in the third quarter of the year and strong momentum in the fourth quarter,” underscoring India's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world
41 minutes ago
It is imperative that we make our own rules adhering to our own necessities instead of directly borrowing regulations from others, said Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal on Monday (January 19, 2026). Speaking at the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Regulatory Affairs in the
41 minutes ago
China's birth rates sunk to a record low in 2025, despite the government rolling out a spate of incentives to boost it, as the country's population fell for the fourth straight year. Government data on Monday showed that the country's birth rate fell to 5.63 per 1
41 minutes ago
Delhi Yamuna Cruise: In a major boost to the riverfront tourism, the Delhi government is set to launch a luxury “cruise experience” on the Yamuna River next month. Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra stated that an MoU was signed between the Central Government
40 minutes ago
Basant Bafna, the head of fixed income at Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India), believes the government will keep fiscal consolidation in focus while maintaining growth momentum in Budget 2026. He says central government borrowings may remain stable
41 minutes ago
The International Monetary Fund has raised India's economic growth forecast for 2025 to 7.3%, pointing to stronger-than-expected corporate earnings in the December quarter and sustained momentum into the fourth quarter, while also indicating that the global economy has largely absorbed the
41 minutes ago
Calling it Agatha Christie's Seven Dials should have been an early warning. There are so many excellent adaptations of Christie novels, from David Suchet's definitive Poirot and Joan Hickson's Miss Marple, to the grim Sarah Phelps adaptations. On film
41 minutes ago