Continuing a decades-old tradition observed ahead of major space missions, Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan on Monday offered prayers at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple, seeking divine blessings for the success of the upcoming LVM3-M6 mission.

Dr. Narayanan was accompanied by senior scientists and members of the launch team, who participated in special rituals as part of the customary pre-launch observances followed by ISRO ahead of critical missions. The prayers were offered with a focus on the successful execution of the LVM3-M6 launch scheduled for December 24 from Sriharikota.

The mission will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, using ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3. The rocket will carry the ‘BlueBird Block-2’ satellite developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile into Low Earth Orbit, marking an important commercial launch for the Indian space agency.

According to ISRO officials, the core objective of the satellite mission is to enable direct-to-device high-speed cellular broadband connectivity across the globe without the need for specialised hardware. The satellite is designed to deliver 4G and 5G services, including voice calls, messaging, and data streaming, directly to standard smartphones, potentially transforming mobile connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

The LVM3-M6 mission will lift off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota and is being closely watched as a significant milestone in ISRO’s expanding commercial launch portfolio. With final preparations underway, the visit to Tirumala underscored the organisation’s blend of scientific rigour and tradition as it readies for another high-profile mission.