With the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) ready to launch the heaviest communication satellite in LVM3 launch history on Wednesday, the 24-hour countdown to the historic event has begun.
ISRO said on Tuesday its heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6 rocket will carry the new-generation Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft and launch it into space at 8.54 a.m. from the second launch pad at Sriharikota on December 24, 2025.
Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite would be the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history, the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said, adding that the satellite was designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.
The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg, that was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2.
Wednesday’s historic mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) – the commercial arm of ISRO – and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC).
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. It had launched five satellites, BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024, which provide continuous internet coverage across the United States and other select countries.
Also Read: ISRO’s LVM3 to launch next-gen BlueBird satellite on Dec 24
The company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.
Meanwhile, the Indian space agency said its 43.5-metre-tall LVM3, also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII, is a three-stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
The vehicle uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the huge amount of thrust required for lift off. The booster has been developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
About 15 minutes after liftoff, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is expected to get separated from the launch vehicle.
The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite. The constellation, featuring a 223m2 phased array, would enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman, V Narayanan, offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 23.
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