ISRO Launch Vehicle Debris Found on Maldives Island Following BlueBird Mission
Debris bearing the ISRO logo and the National Emblem was discovered on an uninhabited island in the Maldives. Experts believe the debris, likely a payload fairing, originated from the LVM3-M6 mission launched on December 19, 2025. This mission was a dedicated commercial flight that successfully deployed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile. The LVM3 is India's heaviest rocket, featuring a three-stage design. This incident follows a similar discovery in Sri Lanka in late 2025, highlighting the geographical spread of space debris from Indian launches.
Key Points
- The debris was found on L. Kunahandhoo island in the Maldives on February 12.
- The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is ISRO's heaviest rocket, used for significant commercial and national missions.
- The LVM3-M6 mission was a commercial launch for the U.S. company AST SpaceMobile.
- The LVM3 architecture includes two solid strap-on motors, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.
Exam Facts
- LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2 Mission launch date: December 19, 2025.
- Rocket type: LVM3 (three-stage vehicle).
- Satellite: BlueBird Block-2 (AST SpaceMobile, U.S.).
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