Next-Generation Communication Satellite ISRO's LVM3 Launch On December 24

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite will be launched into orbit by ISRO’s upcoming LVM3 M6 mission on December 24 as part of a business deal with American company AST SpaceMobile.

This groundbreaking mission will deploy a next-gen communication satellite aimed at delivering high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones around the globe.

AST SpaceMobile has successfully launched five satellites – BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024, which provide continuous internet coverage across the US and select other countries.

The US-based company is gearing up to launch similar satellites to boost its network support and has teamed up with over 50 mobile operators worldwide.

For its next mission, AST SpaceMobile is set to roll out its next-gen communication satellite, Bluebird Block-2, which is crafted to provide 24/7 high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones around the globe.

Smartphones can directly access a space-based cellular broadband network that serves both commercial and governmental needs.

“We are on a mission to close the connectivity gaps experienced by nearly six billion mobile subscribers today and to provide broadband access to the billions who are still unconnected”, the company stated on its website.

Blue Bird Block-2 Mission

The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global Low Earth Orbit constellation aimed at delivering direct-to-mobile connectivity via satellite.

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite boasts a 223 m2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever sent into low Earth orbit.

ISRO New Mission

As per ISRO, this mission will be a dedicated commercial launch under the agreement made between NewSpace India Ltd and AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC).

NewSpace India Ltd serves as the commercial branch of ISRO, which is based in Bengaluru.

ISRO mentioned that this constellation will facilitate 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming, and data access for anyone, anytime.

Blue Bird Block-2 Space Craft

The BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft will be the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit by the LVM3 rocket.

Past Mission Of ISRO’s LVM3 Rocket

In its past missions, the LVM3 rocket has successfully deployed Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions that carried a total of 72 satellites.

The most recent launch by ISRO was the communication satellite during the LVM3-M5/CMS-03 mission, which was successfully completed on November 2, 2025.