ISRO Set to Launch BlueBird Block-2 Satellite: What You Need to Know

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite on December 24, 2025. This satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile, will be launched aboard the powerful LVM3 rocket and is one of the heaviest commercial satellites at 6.5 tonnes. The mission aims to enhance communication capabilities with a significant increase in data capacity. This launch follows ISRO's successful collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, marking another milestone in India's space endeavors. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event!

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 13:03 IST

Upcoming Launch of BlueBird Block-2

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it is prepared to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite on December 24.

This launch will take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Center, where the BlueBird Block-2, also known as BlueBird-6, will be positioned into Low Earth Orbit.

Developed by AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company, this communications satellite is set to be launched aboard India's most powerful rocket, the LVM3.

Weighing in at 6.5 tonnes, BlueBird Block-2 is among the heaviest commercial satellites. It arrived in India from the United States on October 19.

ISRO shared on social media, "Meet #LVM3M6, our operational heavy-lift launch vehicle with a strong track record of successful missions. It is ready to deliver BlueBird Block-2 to Low Earth Orbit."

AST SpaceMobile previously stated that upon launch, the satellite will feature the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit, measuring nearly 2,400 square feet. This represents a significant increase in size compared to BlueBirds 1-5 and will enhance data capacity by tenfold.

This marks the second collaboration between AST SpaceMobile and ISRO. Earlier in July, ISRO successfully launched the $1.5 billion NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission (NISAR), designed for high-resolution Earth imaging capable of penetrating fog, dense clouds, and ice.

AST SpaceMobile has already deployed five satellites, BlueBird 1 to 5, in September 2024, and aims to expand its network further through partnerships with over 50 mobile operators globally.

The launch of BlueBird 6 is being managed by ISRO's commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL).

The LVM3 rocket, developed by ISRO, is a three-stage vehicle that includes two solid strap-on motors (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25).

According to ISRO, it has a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, stands 43.5 meters tall, and can carry a payload of 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Recently, LVM3 successfully launched India's heaviest CMS-3 satellite, which weighs 4.4 tonnes, into orbit on November 2.

In previous missions, LVM3 has successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying a total of 72 satellites.