From the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch a major commercial mission today. Using the LVM3-M6 rocket, the US next-generation communication satellite BlueBird Block-2 will be launched at 8:54 am. The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation aimed at providing direct-to-mobile connectivity via satellite. This will enable 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging and data services anywhere in the world. Users will be able to make calls directly from space using any standard smartphone. The satellite features a 223-square-metre phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed in LEO, at an altitude of around 600 km. Weighing approximately 6,100 kg, each BlueBird satellite carries a 64-square-metre antenna, roughly the size of half a football field. According to ISRO, this is a dedicated commercial launch carried out under an agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and US-based company AST SpaceMobile. NSIL is ISRO’s commercial arm. LVM3 rocket to launch its heaviest-ever payload Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 22. ISRO said this will be the heaviest payload ever sent to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the LVM3 rocket. Earlier, the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 weighed around 4,400 kg, which was placed into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in November 2024. According to the space agency, the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3 is a three-stage rocket powered by a cryogenic engine. It uses two S200 solid strap-on boosters to provide thrust during lift-off. The satellite is expected to separate from the rocket about 15 minutes after launch. Previously, the heaviest mission flown by LVM3 was LVM3-M5 carrying Communication Satellite-03, weighing about 4,400 kg, which ISRO successfully launched into GTO on 2 November. US company targets global cellular broadband via satellites US-based AST SpaceMobile says its goal is to deliver cellular broadband across the world, including remote areas where traditional networks do not reach. The company launched five BlueBird-1 satellites in September 2024 and claims partnerships with over 50 mobile operators globally. More satellite launches are planned in the coming months. AST SpaceMobile says its space-based direct-to-mobile calling service will not require users to change their existing service providers. Customers will be able to use the service on their current mobile networks, as the company is working closely with telecom operators worldwide. The company believes the technology will open up new opportunities in education, social networking, healthcare, and other sectors by bringing connectivity to underserved regions.
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