In a landmark commercial mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its LVM3-M6 rocket today, carrying the heaviest payload ever sent to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by the Indian workhorse launcher. The mission, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at 08:55:30 IST on December 24, 2025, deployed the advanced BlueBird Block-2 communications satellite for the US-based company AST SpaceMobile.
A Giant Leap for Commercial Space and Global Connectivity
This launch is not just another mission for ISRO; it represents a significant commercial and technological leap. The operation was conducted under a commercial agreement between AST SpaceMobile and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which is the commercial arm of the Indian space agency. The primary objective is audacious: to help build the world's first space-based cellular broadband network that can be accessed directly by standard, everyday smartphones.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is engineered to deliver continuous 4G and 5G services, including high-quality voice and video calls, messaging, data streaming, and internet services. This technology promises to bridge connectivity gaps for users in remote and underserved regions across the globe, eliminating the need for specialised satellite phones or equipment.
Record-Breaking Satellite and a Proven Rocket
The technical specifications of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite are what make this mission particularly notable. The spacecraft features a colossal 223 square metre phased array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit. This sheer size contributes to it being the heaviest payload that ISRO's LVM3 rocket has ever lifted to LEO, underscoring the vehicle's growing capabilities.
The LVM3, formerly known as the GSLV Mk-III, has a stellar track record of reliability. It has been the launch vehicle for India's most prestigious missions, including the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 lunar expeditions. It has also been the backbone for launching multiple batches of satellites for the OneWeb constellation, proving its mettle in the competitive commercial launch market.
Expanding a Constellation for Universal Coverage
For AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 is a critical addition to its expanding satellite constellation. The company had already launched an initial batch of five BlueBird satellites back in September 2024. Today's launch adds significant capacity to their ambitious project. AST SpaceMobile has forged partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators around the world, laying the groundwork to seamlessly integrate its space-based network with existing terrestrial cellular infrastructure.
The successful deployment of BlueBird Block-2 marks a pivotal moment for ISRO's commercial ambitions through NSIL. It demonstrates India's ability to undertake and execute high-stakes, dedicated commercial missions for international clients, offering reliable and cost-effective launch services for the most advanced satellite technology.
This mission sets the stage for a new era in global communications, where the distinction between terrestrial and satellite connectivity may soon vanish, bringing high-speed broadband to every corner of the planet directly through the smartphone in your pocket.
