The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite by American company AST SpaceMobile with its most powerful rocket, LVM3, on a Wednesday morning at 8:55 AM. This marks the sixth operational flight (LVM3-M6) of this rocket.
This mission was conducted under an agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile. The mission will deploy the world’s largest commercial communication satellite in low earth orbit (LEO), providing high-speed internet directly to regular smartphones from space.
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The BlueBird Block-2 is part of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation communication satellite series, designed to provide mobile connectivity worldwide in areas unreachable by ground networks. Key features are as follows:
Source: aajtak
Weight: Approximately 6,100 to 6,500 kilograms (the heaviest payload launched from Indian soil by LVM3).
Dimensions: Features a 223 square meter (approximately 2,400 square feet) phased array antenna, making it the largest commercial communication satellite to be positioned in low earth orbit.
Capabilities: Supports 4G and 5G networks, providing high-speed broadband directly to ordinary smartphones from space.
Speed: Peak data speed of up to 120 Mbps per coverage cell, supporting voice calls, video calls, texts, streaming, and data services.
Objective: Part of AST SpaceMobile’s global constellation, offering 24/7 connectivity worldwide, reaching remote areas, seas, and mountains.
Previous Satellites: The company launched the BlueBird 1-5 satellites in September 2024, providing continuous internet coverage in the USA and several other countries. Block-2 offers ten times more bandwidth capacity.
This satellite will be deployed in a low earth orbit approximately 600 kilometers high.
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LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), previously known as GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO’s most powerful rocket. It was entirely developed with indigenous technology by ISRO. Main specifications:
Source: aajtak
Height: 43.5 meters
Lift-off weight: 640 tons
Stages: A three-stage rocket
Two solid strap-on boosters (S200)
Liquid core stage (L110)
Cryogenic upper stage (C25)
Payload capacity: Up to 4,200 kilograms in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Up to 8,000 kilograms in low earth orbit (LEO).
Previous successful missions: LVM3 successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions (totaling 72 satellites). The previous mission was LVM3-M5/CMS-03, which successfully launched on November 2, 2025.
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This rocket represents India's space capability and will be used for the upcoming Gaganyaan human mission. This mission will set a new benchmark in ISRO's commercial launches. AST SpaceMobile is creating the world's first space-based cellular broadband network, competing with services like Starlink. Launching from India will strengthen ISRO’s global launch services.
