On December 24, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, belonging to the United States-based AST SpaceMobile, using its heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6. The launch took place at 8:55 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This mission marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3. The LVM3, also known as Gaganyaan's designated launch vehicle, is ISRO's most powerful rocket and is crucial for missions that need a high payload capacity. The LVM3 is a three-stage launch vehicle that includes two solid strap-on motors, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. It weighs 640 tonnes at lift-off and is 43.5 meters tall. It can carry 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Weighing in at 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest satellite that LVM3 has ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) from Indian soil. It is also the largest commercial communications satellite to be put into LEO. The satellite is part of a global LEO constellation that aims to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity. This system will enable 4G and 5G calls, messages, video, and data services worldwide.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellites are designed to allow standard smartphones to connect to broadband cellular networks directly from space, without needing special hardware or changes to the devices. This is expected to change communication in remote and underdeveloped areas around the world. The direct-connect capability of the satellites will help close the digital gap and make global communications more reliable.
ISRO's ability to offer affordable and accurate launch services has boosted confidence in its launch capabilities. The success of the BlueBird Block-2 mission highlights India's growing importance in all areas of space and its commitment to becoming a leader in the development of new technologies in space, satellite communications, and satellite launch services.
Previous successful LVM3 missions include the launch of Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions that carried 72 satellites. The LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, which launched on November 2, 2025, was the most recent LVM3 launch before this one.
Prime Minister Modi praised the launch, calling it a big step forward for India's space program. The mission is a dedicated commercial one between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and AST SpaceMobile.
