ISRO’s upcoming LVM3 M6 mission will carry the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit on December 24, as part of a commercial deal with U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile.
The historic mission will deploy the next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.
The Indian Space Research Organisation said the mission, designated LVM3-M6/BlueBird Block-2, is a dedicated commercial flight using the LVM3 launch vehicle. It will mark the sixth operational mission of the rocket and further strengthen India’s position in the global commercial launch market.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, which is accessible directly by smartphones and designed for both commercial and government applications.
“We are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected,” the company said in its website.
AST SpaceMobile has launched five satellites — BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024, which enable continuous internet coverage across the US and other select countries.
The US-based company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.
For the upcoming mission, AST SpaceMobile has planned to launch its next-generation communication satellite, Bluebird Block-2, which has been designed to deliver 24/7 high-speed cellular broadband direct to smartphones worldwide.
BlueBird 6 weighs nearly 6,100 kg, making it the heaviest payload ever launched by an Indian rocket. “This is the heaviest satellite lifted by our launch vehicles from India,” ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said.
Standing 43.5 meters tall and weighing 640 tonnes, LVM3—nicknamed ‘Baahubali’— is India’s most powerful rocket, capable of lifting 4,200 kg to GTO and even more to LEO.
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The BlueBird Block-2 satellite features a 223 m2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit.
According to ISRO, the mission would be a dedicated commercial launch as part of the agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd and AST SpaceMobile. NewSpace India Ltd is the commercial arm of the Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO.
