LVM3

India is looking to procure semi-cryogenic engines from Russia for initial LVM3 missions.

India’s planned first space station module explicitly relies on the semi-cryogenic LVM3 to be available.

ISRO plans to upgrade the LVM3 rocket’s core stage with the SE-2000 semi-cryogenic kerolox engine to support Chandrayaan 4.

The LVM3’s lift capacity to geostationary transfer orbit would increase from about 4,400 kilograms to almost 5,000 kilograms with the SE-2000 upgrade.

BlueBird 6 launched on an Indian LVM3 rocket in December.

AST SpaceMobile's predecessor satellite BlueBird 6 launched on an Indian LVM3 rocket in December 2025.

The LVM3 payload capacity upgrade has been delayed by more than 10 years.

BlueBird 6 was the heaviest payload ever launched from an LVM3 vehicle from India.

The First Launch Pad cannot support GSLV Mk II or LVM3 launches because the cryogenic upper stages of those vehicles require increased preparatory infrastructure that predates the FLP.

The PSLV and LVM3 both use the liquid Vikas engine, creating a technological link in propulsion between the two vehicles.

The Second Launch Pad was built in 2005 primarily to launch the heavier GSLV Mk II and LVM3 rockets and can host PSLV launches less frequently.

The third launch pad will be capable of supporting launches of the GSLV Mk II even though ISRO plans to phase out the GSLV Mk II in favor of the LVM3.

The LVM3 has completed eight orbital flights with no failures to date.

The third launch pad will serve as a secondary pad for robotic LVM3 launches and as a standby for human spaceflight contingencies.

After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, OneWeb completed deployment of its constellation using SpaceX Falcon 9 and ISRO’s LVM3 rockets.

India is simultaneously developing the large rocket LVM3 and a new launch system.

ISRO launched the BlueBird 6 satellite for AST SpaceMobile on a LVM3 rocket on December 23 at 10:25 p.m. EST.

ISRO stated that BlueBird 6 was the heaviest payload launched from an LVM3 vehicle from India.