ISRO's Upcoming Satellite Launch to Enhance Smartphone Connectivity

ISRO's LVM3 M6 mission is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit on December 24, as part of a commercial agreement with U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile. This mission aims to enhance smartphone connectivity by providing high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.

AST SpaceMobile is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network that will address connectivity gaps for the nearly six billion mobile subscribers globally. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite features a 223 square meter phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever launched into low Earth orbit.

This satellite is designed to support 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data services for users at any time. The launch will be a dedicated commercial mission initiated by NewSpace India Ltd, the commercial arm of ISRO.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite will be the heaviest payload ever launched by the LVM3 rocket, which has previously successfully launched missions including Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3. AST SpaceMobile has partnered with over 50 mobile operators worldwide, with the goal of providing continuous internet coverage to regions previously lacking connectivity.

According to The Hindu, this mission represents a significant step forward in expanding digital access and enhancing user experiences for smartphone users.