The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated a landmark achievement today with the flawless launch of its LVM3-M6 mission, successfully deploying the massive BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit. This dedicated commercial mission for US-based AST SpaceMobile represents a significant leap forward in global satellite communications and underscores India's growing prowess in the competitive heavy-lift launch market.
The mission carved its name into the history books by deploying the heaviest payload ever carried by the LVM3 rocket into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The BlueBird Block-2 satellite itself is a technological marvel, featuring a colossal 223-square-meter phased array antenna. This design crowns it as the largest commercial communications satellite ever placed in LEO, a testament to both the satellite manufacturer's ambition and the LVM3's robust launch capabilities.
Today's success adds another shining chapter to the storied career of the LVM3, India's most powerful launch vehicle. The rocket, previously known as the GSLV Mk-III, has been the backbone of the nation's most ambitious space endeavors. Its portfolio includes the landmark Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 lunar missions, as well as the successful execution of two dedicated launches for the OneWeb satellite constellation. The LVM3 continues to demonstrate remarkable reliability, with today's launch following closely on the heels of its previous mission, LVM3-M5/CMS-03, completed on November 2, 2025.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is at the heart of a revolutionary vision for global communication. Engineered by AST SpaceMobile, its primary mission is to deliver seamless, high-speed cellular broadband directly to standard, unmodified smartphones worldwide. This breakthrough technology eliminates the need for specialized ground hardware, promising to bridge the digital divide for millions.
The satellite is a key component of a planned global constellation designed to enable:
4G and 5G Voice and Video Calls from virtually anywhere on the planet.
High-speed Data Streaming for video, work, and education.
Universal Text Messaging and Connectivity, bringing remote and underserved regions online.
The mission was orchestrated by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, which secured the launch agreement with AST SpaceMobile. This partnership highlights the successful model of India's space sector, leveraging its technical expertise for global commercial clients.
AST SpaceMobile is pioneering the world's first space-based cellular broadband network for both commercial and government applications. "We are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected," the company stated, outlining its goal of true planetary connectivity.
The launch of BlueBird Block-2 builds upon the momentum of the five BlueBird 1-5 satellites successfully deployed in September 2024. AST SpaceMobile's ambitious plan involves a continuously expanding constellation, backed by partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators around the globe. This collaborative ecosystem aims to provide continuous internet coverage, transforming connectivity in the world's most remote regions and closing the global digital gap once and for all.
Today's launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is more than a technical success; it is a pivotal moment that connects Indian launch excellence with a transformative vision for global communication, ensuring that the future of connectivity is truly without borders.
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