Wed Dec 24 03:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ISRO Launches American Communication Satellite in Landmark Commercial Mission
Sriharikota, India – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched a US-built communication satellite, BlueBird Block-2, into orbit on Wednesday morning. The mission, designated LVM3-M6, utilized ISRO’s heaviest launch vehicle and marks a significant commercial achievement for the organization.
The 43.5-meter-tall rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota at 8:55 AM local time after a 24-hour countdown. The 6,100 kg satellite, the heaviest payload ever deployed by an LVM3 rocket into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), was successfully placed in its designated orbit. This surpasses ISRO’s previous record set by the LVM3-M5 mission, which launched the 4,400 kg Communication Satellite-03 in November.
This launch was conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and US-based AST SpaceMobile. Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan performed a ritual at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, as is customary.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is designed to provide direct-to-smartphone, high-speed cellular broadband service globally. AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly via standard smartphones. This network will support 4G and 5G voice, video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services for both commercial and governmental applications, regardless of location.
The LVM3 rocket, a three-stage vehicle with a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, was equipped with two powerful S200 solid rocket boosters developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
AST SpaceMobile aims to bridge connectivity gaps and has already launched five satellites (BlueBird-1 to 5) in September 2024, providing continuous internet coverage in the United States and select other countries. The company has partnered with over 50 mobile operators worldwide to strengthen its network and expand global access to broadband services.
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