India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has once again marked a historic milestone in global space technology. On December 24, 2025, ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite of US-based company AST SpaceMobile using its heavy-lift rocket LVM3-M6, paving the way for direct satellite connectivity to smartphones across the world.
The mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 8:54 AM IST after a brief delay of 90 seconds. With this launch, ISRO has demonstrated not only its technical excellence but also its growing dominance in the global commercial space market.
Heaviest Payload Ever Launched by LVM3
BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload ever deployed by ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, weighing a massive 6,100 kilograms. This breaks ISRO’s previous record of 4,400 kg, held by the CMS-03 communication satellite launched earlier.
The satellite was placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 600 km, around 15 minutes after liftoff. The launch was executed under a commercial agreement between AST SpaceMobile and ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL).
Why BlueBird-2 Is a Game Changer
BlueBird Block-2 is designed to connect ordinary smartphones directly to satellites, without the need for specialized hardware. This breakthrough technology aims to eliminate connectivity gaps in remote, rural, maritime, and disaster-prone regions.
Key highlights of BlueBird-2 include:
●A 223 square metre phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit
●Direct support for 4G and 5G voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services
●Seamless connectivity for commercial users as well as government and emergency services
●Ability to enable calls and messages directly from space to standard smartphones
Boost to Global Satellite Internet Vision
AST SpaceMobile has already launched five BlueBird satellites earlier and has partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators worldwide. The BlueBird-2 launch significantly strengthens its ambition to create the first global space-based cellular broadband network.
For ISRO, this mission reinforces LVM3’s reliability, which has previously carried flagship missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, along with dozens of satellites into orbit.
India’s Rising Role in Space Economy
This mission highlights India’s growing stature as a trusted global launch partner, capable of handling complex, heavy, and next-generation commercial payloads. With advanced rockets, cost-effective launches, and consistent success, ISRO is fast emerging as a key player in shaping the future of global satellite communication.
