ISRO BlueBird-2 News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has created history once again. On Wednesday morning at 8:54 AM, ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This satellite is a next-generation communication satellite.

Direct Internet Connectivity from Space

Using its most powerful rocket, LVM3, ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite developed by the American company AST SpaceMobile. This marked the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 rocket (LVM3-M6). The mission was carried out under an agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile.

As part of this mission, the world’s largest commercial communication satellite will be placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It will enable high-speed internet connectivity directly from space to standard smartphones, without the need for ground-based infrastructure.

Key Features of the BlueBird Block-2 Satellite

BlueBird Block-2 is part of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellite constellation, designed to provide mobile connectivity in remote and underserved regions where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

• Weight: Approximately 6,100 to 6,500 kg, making it the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.
• Size: Equipped with a 223 square meter (approx. 2,400 sq. ft.) phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in LEO.
• Capability: Supports both 4G and 5G networks and delivers high-speed broadband directly to standard smartphones.
• Speed: Offers peak data speeds of up to 120 Mbps per coverage cell, supporting voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services.
• Objective: Part of AST SpaceMobile’s global constellation aimed at providing 24/7 connectivity worldwide, including remote areas, oceans, and mountainous regions.
• Previous Satellites: The company launched BlueBird 1–5 satellites in September 2024, which are already delivering continuous internet coverage in the US and other regions. Block-2 offers nearly ten times higher bandwidth capacity than earlier versions.

The satellite will be deployed in a Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 km.

Kudos Team #ISRO for the successful launch of LVM3-M6 carrying BlueBird Block-2.

With the visionary patronage of PM Sh @narendramodi, @isro continues to achieve one success after another, reiterating India’s growing prowess in Space technology. pic.twitter.com/gsnYimTwZs

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 24, 2025

LVM3 Rocket Specifications

LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly known as GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle and has been entirely developed using indigenous technology.

• Height: 43.5 meters
• Lift-off Weight: 640 tonnes
• Stages: Three-stage rocket
  • Two solid strap-on boosters (S200)
  • Liquid core stage (L110)
  • Cryogenic upper stage (C25)
• Payload Capacity:
  • Up to 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
  • Up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Previous Successful Missions

LVM3 has successfully launched major missions including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two OneWeb missions carrying a total of 72 satellites. Its previous mission, LVM3-M5/CMS-03, was successfully conducted on 2 November 2025.