ISRO's LVM3 M6 Mission Set to Launch BlueBird Block-2 Satellite for Global Connectivity

Chennai: A New Era in Satellite Communication

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its LVM3 M6 mission, scheduled to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite on December 24. This mission marks a significant commercial partnership with AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company, aimed at deploying a cutting-edge communication satellite that will provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones around the globe.

AST SpaceMobile is pioneering the first space-based cellular broadband network, which will be accessible via smartphones and is intended for both commercial and governmental use.

The company emphasizes its goal to bridge the connectivity divide faced by nearly six billion mobile users and to extend broadband access to billions more who currently lack it.

In September 2024, AST SpaceMobile successfully launched five satellites, BlueBird 1-5, which now offer continuous internet coverage across the United States and select other nations.

To enhance its network, the company plans to deploy additional satellites and has formed partnerships with over 50 mobile operators worldwide.

The forthcoming mission will see the launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, engineered to deliver round-the-clock high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones globally.

Notably, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite boasts a 223 m² phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever sent into low Earth orbit.

ISRO has confirmed that this mission will be a dedicated commercial launch, following an agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO based in Bengaluru.

The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global Low Earth Orbit constellation designed to facilitate direct-to-mobile connectivity via satellite.

This constellation aims to support 4G and 5G voice and video calls, text messaging, streaming, and data services for users at any time, according to ISRO.

The BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft will represent the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit by the LVM3 rocket.

Previously, the LVM3 rocket has successfully completed missions including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions that carried a total of 72 satellites.

ISRO's most recent launch was the communication satellite during the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, which took place on November 2, 2025.