The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the US-based AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite aboard its LVM3-M6 rocket on December 24, 2025, at 8:54 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 and the heaviest commercial payload ever undertaken by India.
According to officials, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing approximately 6,100 kilograms, is designed to provide direct broadband connectivity to standard mobile phones without the need for additional ground infrastructure. The mission aims to enhance global communication by enabling voice calls, internet access, and video streaming directly from space.
ISRO highlighted that the launch underscores India’s growing role in the international commercial space market, following its successful OneWeb missions. The collaboration with AST SpaceMobile reflects India’s capability to deliver heavy payloads into low Earth orbit with precision and reliability.
Experts noted that the BlueBird Block-2 satellite will be the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in low Earth orbit to date. Its deployment is expected to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions worldwide, advancing the vision of universal mobile broadband.
Officials concluded that the mission demonstrates ISRO’s technological strength and reinforces India’s position as a trusted partner in global space exploration and commercial satellite launches.
