The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, created by US-based AST SpaceMobile, will be launched by ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) rocket from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota on December 24, 2025, at 08:54 hours IST.
This mission, known as LVM3-M6, is a committed commercial venture made possible by an agreement between AST SpaceMobile Inc. and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial division.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is a component of a next-generation constellation designed to eliminate the need for specialized ground infrastructure by delivering high-speed cellular internet directly to unmodified smartphones worldwide.
These Block-2 satellites will be the largest commercial arrays ever placed in low Earth orbit, surpassing the 693 square feet of their first-generation predecessors with their massive phased-array antennas that span approximately 2,400 square feet.
With more than 5,600 coverage cells, this large array size allows for up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of Block-1 satellites, allowing continuous 24/7 coverage, especially in the United States.
With beams that can handle up to 40 MHz capacity, each satellite can support millions of daily connections across more than 2,000 active cells, enabling peak data speeds of 120 Mbps per cell for conversation, video streaming, and full data applications.
The BlueBird Block-2’s weight of almost 6,500 kg makes it one of the biggest commercial communications spacecraft headed for low Earth orbit, highlighting the mission’s technological aspirations.
The collaboration strengthens India’s standing in the international space launch market by showcasing NSIL’s increasing ability to secure international commercial launches for ISRO’s dependable LVM3, which has proven to have an impeccable track record in previous missions.
By beaming internet from space, AST SpaceMobile’s program seeks to bridge connectivity gaps in underserved and rural areas, potentially revolutionizing mobile communications globally once the constellation is fully deployed.
According to ISRO’s official release on X, this launch, which is under Bengaluru’s supervision, is in line with India’s progress in space commerce. Final preparation is contingent upon weather and technical validations.
