New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a powerful new communications satellite early Wednesday. The BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft lifted off from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard the heavy-lift LVM3-M6 rocket. This mission marks a major moment in India's growing role in global space services.
What happened today?
The rocket took off at virtually 8:55 am and reached low Earth orbit well-nigh 15 minutes later. The satellite separated from the launch vehicle and began its journey whilom Earth. Engineers confirmed the launch was successful.
This was the heaviest payload overly carried by the LVM3, well-nigh 6,100 kg, making it a standout victory for ISRO's commercial launch fleet.
What is BlueBird Block-2 designed to do?
BlueBird Block-2 was built by AST SpaceMobile, a US company, and is part of a next-generation network of satellites. It will help unhook direct-to-mobile broadband connectivity to standard smartphones, without needing traditional ground networks.
It aims to provide 4G and 5G voice, video, and data services directly to standard smartphones without special receivers, a potential game-changer for network coverage in remote areas.
It features a 223 m 2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite every deployed into low Earth Orbit, well-nigh 600 km altitude.
How will this transpiration mobile networks?
Unlike traditional satellites that rely on ground stations, BlueBird's system links directly with mobile phones in orbit. That could make connectivity increasingly resilient and widely available, expressly where towers network towers is difficult.
Operators virtually the world are watching closely. The technology promises continuous coverage for voice and data services, helping tropical digital gaps in hard-to-reach regions.
Where does this fit in ISRO’s work?
The mission is part of a commercial try-on between ISRO's merchantry arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and AST SpaceMobile. It is the sixth operational flight for the LVM3 vehicle and highlights how India's launch services are attracting global clients.
What officials are saying?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a "proud milestone in India's space journey."
A significant stride in India’s space sector…
The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite overly launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey.
It strengthens… pic.twitter.com/AH6aJAyOhi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2025
