The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is hoping to launch the Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by the U.S.-based AST SpaceCellular, in three to 4 months from now, chairman of the house company V. Narayanan stated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday (August 1, 2025).
This Indo-US collaboration follows on the heels of the NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR) which ISRO efficiently launched on July 30 utilizing the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The BlueBird satellite is to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on board the LVM3, ISRO’s heftiest launch car which was previously often known as the GSLV-Mk III, he stated.
The BlueBird satellite is anticipated to reach in India in September, he stated. Work can also be progressing on the mission launch car. Mr. Narayanan stated that the satellite, weighing aound 6500 kg, was imagined to have arrived three months in the past, however “developmental issues” had brought on a delay.
On whether or not U.S. president Donald Trump’s commerce insurance policies would have an effect on collaboration in science and expertise, Mr. Narayanan stated he “fully believes that whatever technology contracts that India has signed will be executed.”
First uncrewed mission in December
Mr. Narayanan reiterated ISRO’s plans to have the primary of three uncrewed missions deliberate forward of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight in December 2025. The remaining two uncrewed missions is anticipated to be held in 2026.
ISRO had earlier introduced plans to have the crewed mission within the first quarter of 2027. Mr. Narayanan stated that this schedule can be stored after finding out the efficiency of the uncrewed missions.
On the event of the Gaganyaan programme, he stated the human-rating of the launch car has been accomplished. The improvement of the orbital module is in an “advanced stage,” he stated, including that the event of crew escape system is nearing completion.
India’s house station
Mr. Narayanan additionally reiterated ISRO’s plans to finish the development of India’s house station, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2035.
The 52-tonne facility can be developed in 5 modules, the primary of which is anticipated to be positioned in orbit in 2028.
