isro-s-lvm3-to-launch-next-gen-bluebird-satellite-on-dec-24

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3 is set to undertake a major commercial mission on December 24, when it will place the next-generation BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit.

 

The LVM3-M6 mission is being carried out under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC).

 

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is designed to deliver 24/7 high-speed cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones across the globe, without the need for specialised ground equipment. AST SpaceMobile is building what it describes as the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by mobile phones, catering to both commercial and government users.

 

“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 on its website.

 

Also read: ISRO to triple spacecraft output, launch Chandrayaan-4 in 2028

 

AST SpaceMobile had earlier launched five satellites — BlueBird 1 to 5 — in September 2024, enabling continuous internet coverage across the United States and select other regions. The company has since partnered with more than 50 mobile network operators worldwide to expand its global footprint.

 

The upcoming BlueBird Block-2 satellite forms part of a larger Low Earth Orbit constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile connectivity. According to ISRO, the network will support 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, streaming services and data access for users anywhere, at any time.

 

The satellite features a massive 223 square metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed into Low Earth Orbit. ISRO said the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft will also be the heaviest payload launched into LEO by the LVM3 rocket to date.

 

The LVM3, India’s most powerful launch vehicle, has previously carried out high-profile missions including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions that deployed 72 satellites. ISRO’s most recent LVM3 launch was the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, which successfully placed a communication satellite into orbit on November 2, 2025.