ISRO Successfully Launches US AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 Communication Satellite
- IBEF
- December 24, 2025
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has further strengthened India’s position in the global commercial launch market with the successful deployment of the United States–based AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite. The satellite was launched at 8:55 AM on 24 December, from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using ISRO’s heavy-lift LVM3 launch vehicle. Weighing approximately 6.5 tonnes, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest commercial satellite deployed by LVM3 into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), marking a significant milestone for India’s space launch capabilities. This mission represents the sixth operational flight of LVM3. This vehicle has consistently demonstrated reliability through landmark missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and multiple OneWeb constellation launches.
The purpose of the BlueBird Block-2 satellites is to provide users of 'standard' (non-modified) smartphones with access to broadband cellular connectivity from the sky. This is expected to revolutionize communication in underdeveloped and remote areas around the world. Additionally, the satellites' direct-connect capability will close the digital divide and improve resilience in global communications. The success of this launch also indicates ISRO's growing role as a trusted partner for international providers of commercial satellite services. It reflects increased confidence in ISRO's launch capabilities, driven by its ability to provide affordable and accurate launch services. With the success of the BlueBird Block-2 program, India has proven it is becoming an essential player across all aspects of space (Civil, Commercial, Strategic) and is committed to becoming a leading hub for developing new technologies in space, satellite communications, and satellite launch services.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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