ISRO’s LVM3 to Launch Next-Gen Communication Satellite on Dec 24

SRIHARIKOTA, Dec 21: ISRO’s LVM3-M6 mission is set to launch the next-generation BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on December 24 under a commercial agreement with US-based AST SpaceMobile, marking a major step toward global direct-to-smartphone connectivity.

The mission will deploy the advanced satellite into low Earth orbit to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide, ISRO said. The launch will be a dedicated commercial mission executed through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, under an agreement with AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC).

AST SpaceMobile is developing the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard smartphones for both commercial and government use. The company said its objective is to bridge connectivity gaps for nearly six billion mobile users and extend broadband services to billions who remain unconnected.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is designed to deliver round-the-clock 4G and 5G voice, video calls, messaging, streaming and data services globally. It features a massive 223-square-metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed in low Earth orbit.

According to ISRO, the BlueBird Block-2 mission forms part of a global low Earth orbit constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile connectivity across regions. AST SpaceMobile has already launched five satellites — BlueBird 1 to 5 — in September 2024, providing continuous internet coverage across the US and select other countries.

The company plans additional launches to strengthen its network and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators worldwide.

ISRO said the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft will be the heaviest payload ever launched into low Earth orbit by the LVM3 rocket. The heavy-lift launch vehicle has previously deployed major missions including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and two OneWeb missions carrying 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. (Agencies)