ISRO Prepares for Launch of Next-Gen Communication Satellite

ISRO's LVM3 M6 mission is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite on December 24, as part of a commercial agreement with U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile. This mission aims to deploy a next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.

AST SpaceMobile, known for constructing the first space-based cellular broadband network, intends to bridge connectivity gaps for nearly six billion mobile subscribers globally. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite will feature a 223 square meter phased array, marking it as the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit.

This launch is a part of a dedicated commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO, and AST SpaceMobile. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite will serve as the heaviest payload launched into low Earth orbit by the LVM3 rocket, which has successfully carried out previous missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions.

The satellite will enhance 4G and 5G connectivity and facilitate voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data services globally. ISRO's commitment to advancing technology and connectivity is exemplified by this significant mission, which is expected to improve cellular broadband services worldwide.

The report indicates that the latest successful launch by ISRO was the communication satellite in the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission on November 2, 2025.