R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, DEC 24
India’s space ambitions soared to new heights as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the next-generation US communication satellite BlueBird Block-2 aboard its heaviest launch vehicle, LVM3-M6, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here. The rocket lifted off at 8:55 am on December 24, concluding a precise 24-hour countdown and sending the spacecraft toward its targeted low Earth orbit at approximately 520 km altitude.
The BlueBird Block-2 mission is being undertaken under a commercial agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and US-based AST SpaceMobile, and represents a landmark achievement in space-based connectivity. Designed to form part of a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation, the satellite will enable direct 4G and 5G voice, video, text and data services to standard mobile phones anywhere on Earth, without the need for specialised hardware.
What a moment! Relive the #LVM3M6 liftoff highlights here:
For More information Visit:https://t.co/PBYwLU4Ogy
#LVM3M6 #BlueBirdBlock2 #ISRO #NSIL pic.twitter.com/hc4SoI5DI5— ISRO (@isro) December 24, 2025
- LVM3-M6 mission marks a historic leap in space-based communications
- Prime Minister calls the launch a proud milestone for India’s space programme
- Next-gen satellite set to deliver direct 4G/5G connectivity from orbit
- ISRO’s commercial collaboration boosts international space leadership
- Technology poised to bridge digital divides and empower billions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the mission’s success as a “proud milestone” in India’s expanding space journey and a testament to the country’s growing scientific and technological capabilities. He said the achievement reflects the spirit of a nation that continues to “soar higher”, inspiring youth and strengthening India’s presence in the global space ecosystem.
A significant stride in India’s space sector…
The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever 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
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite features an exceptionally large phased-array antenna—nearly 223 m², making it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed into LEO by ISRO to date. The spacecraft is expected to transform mobile connectivity, reaching remote regions from mountains to oceans where traditional cellular networks struggle to operate.
The mission also underscores the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and technology, with ISRO providing reliable, cost-effective launch services for one of the most advanced commercial satellites ever built for direct-to-device connectivity. As part of this broader vision, the launch reinforces India’s position as a trusted global player in the commercial space market.
Echoing the national pride and future promise of the mission, analysts suggest that this innovative leap could significantly narrow global digital divides, empower remote communities, enhance disaster response communications and catalyse widespread socio-economic opportunity—especially for billions of people previously beyond conventional network reach.
