Starlink Arrives in India: ISRO's LVM3 Launch Sparks New Era

By John Pranay (Editor)

A record-breaking Indian rocket, the LVM3, is set to launch the BlueBird 6 smartphone satellite into orbit tonight (December 23, 2025), marking the ninth liftoff for the three-stage rocket. The launch, which can be watched live, will carry the heaviest payload ever hauled to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the LVM3, weighing approximately 13,450 pounds. This comes as India prepares to welcome Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, to its skies.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been working on the LVM3, India's most powerful rocket, since its debut in December 2014. With a 100% success rate, the rocket has launched five operational satellites, BlueBirds 1 through 5, aboard a single SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in September 2024. These satellites feature 693-square-foot communication arrays, the largest ever unfurled in LEO. Tonight's launch will see the BlueBird 6 satellite, which will be the heaviest payload carried by the LVM3, join the BlueBird constellation.

• December 2014: LVM3 debuted with a 100% success rate.

• September 2024: Five operational satellites, BlueBirds 1 through 5, were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

• December 23, 2025: The LVM3 is set to launch the BlueBird 6 smartphone satellite into orbit.

The launch of BlueBird 6 and the impending arrival of Starlink in India highlight the country's growing interest in satellite technology and internet connectivity. As India looks to expand its digital infrastructure, the integration of satellite internet services will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas. The pace of change in the Indian space industry is accelerating, with the LVM3's success rate and the BlueBird constellation's expansion demonstrating the country's capabilities.

The risks associated with the launch and deployment of the BlueBird 6 satellite include potential communication disruptions, especially in areas with existing satellite coverage. Additionally, the integration of Starlink in India may lead to increased competition in the satellite internet market, potentially affecting the financial stability of existing players.

The successful launch of BlueBird 6 is expected to pave the way for further satellite deployments in India. As Starlink prepares to enter the Indian market, the country's regulatory bodies will need to address concerns around spectrum allocation and licensing. The Indian government has not yet announced a specific timeline for the launch of Starlink services in the country.

Q: What is the significance of the BlueBird 6 satellite's launch?

A: The launch marks the heaviest payload ever hauled to LEO by the LVM3, demonstrating India's capabilities in satellite technology.

Q: When can we expect Starlink services to launch in India?

A: The Indian government has not yet announced a specific timeline for the launch of Starlink services in the country.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with the launch and deployment of the BlueBird 6 satellite?

A: Potential communication disruptions, especially in areas with existing satellite coverage, are a concern.

Assessment: Bullish.

1. Watch Indian rocket launch record-breaking BlueBird 6 smartphone satellite to orbit tonight — https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/indian-rocket-launch-bluebird-6-satellite-ast-spacemobile

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.