'ISRO's heaviest rocket' enters global commercial services; countdown begins

The Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), the space agency's largest rocket, is scheduled to launch 36 broadband communication satellites for the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), and the countdown has already begun. The 24-hour countdown ends at midnight on Saturday, and this effort is unique for several reasons.

For the largest launcher operated by ISRO, this is its first commercial mission. The heaviest payload would also weigh the most, 5,796 kg. A "major milestone" is stated to be the agreement for the launch between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, and the UK-based "OneWeb". OneWeb is a global communications network powered by space, and India's Bharti Enterprises is one of its primary investors. OneWeb makes it possible for communities, corporations, and governments to connect.

According to the space agency's website, the LVM3 is now "making its entry into the global commercial launch service market." This is also the first multi-satellite mission. From the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota, 36 satellites "shall be sent into orbit one by one LVM3."

This is not only NSIL's maiden mission using LVM3, but it is also the first time an Indian rocket would carry a six tonne payload.