The 24-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO’s LVM3-M6 rocket, carrying a next-generation US communication satellite, commenced on Tuesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.
In a dedicated commercial mission, ISRO is scheduled to launch the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft onboard its heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3-M6 at 8:54 am on Wednesday from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite will be the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by an LVM3 vehicle, according to the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency. The previous heaviest payload was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite-03, weighing around 4,400 kg, which was successfully launched on November 2.
The mission is being undertaken under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)—ISRO’s commercial arm—and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC).
The historic launch will deploy a next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide, without the need for specialised ground equipment.
AST SpaceMobile is building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, accessible directly by standard smartphones and intended for both commercial and government applications.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 23.
According to ISRO, the 43.5-metre-tall LVM3, also known as GSLV Mk-III, is a three-stage launch vehicle powered by a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. The rocket uses two S200 solid strap-on boosters, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, to generate the massive thrust required for liftoff.
After a flight duration of approximately 15 minutes, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is expected to separate from the launch vehicle and be placed into Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 600 km.
The BlueBird Block-2 mission is part of a global LEO constellation aimed at enabling direct-to-mobile connectivity, supporting 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, streaming and data services worldwide. The satellite features a 223-square-metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit.
AST SpaceMobile had earlier launched five satellites—BlueBird 1 to 5—in September 2024, providing continuous internet coverage across the United States and select other countries. The company plans to launch additional satellites to expand its network and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators globally.
