The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated the final countdown for a landmark commercial mission. The space agency is set to launch its heavy-lift LVM3 rocket, carrying a next-generation US communication satellite that promises to revolutionize global mobile connectivity.
Mission Details and Live Viewing
The LVM3-M6 rocket is scheduled for liftoff at 8:54 AM IST on Wednesday, December 24. It will ascend from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The flight duration from launch to satellite separation is expected to be approximately 15 minutes.
Space enthusiasts can witness this historic event live. ISRO will begin its live broadcast on its official YouTube channel and website at 8:24 AM IST, 30 minutes before the launch. The stream will also be available on the agency's social media platforms. For those wishing to experience the launch in person, registration for viewing from the Sriharikota observation galleries is mandatory and can be done via ISRO's official website.
The BlueBird Block-2 Satellite: A Connectivity Game-Changer
This mission is being conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and the US-based firm AST SpaceMobile. The BlueBird Block-2 is a key component of a global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation designed to provide direct-to-mobile cellular broadband services.
The satellite's primary objective is to enable 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texting, streaming, and data access directly to standard smartphones anywhere on the planet. A standout feature is its massive 223 square metre phased array antenna, which makes it the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed into LEO. It will operate at an altitude of roughly 600 kilometers.
Record-Breaking Payload for India's Workhorse Rocket
Weighing in at a formidable 6,100 kilograms, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite creates a new record for ISRO. It is officially the heaviest payload ever to be placed into Low Earth Orbit by the LVM3 launch vehicle. This mission marks the sixth operational flight for this reliable heavy-lift rocket. The previous record was held by the Communication Satellite 03, launched on November 2, which weighed approximately 4,400 kg.
AST SpaceMobile is the company behind this ambitious project, aiming to build the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones. The company had previously launched five test satellites (BlueBird 1-5) in September 2024 to provide coverage over the United States and other regions. With partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators worldwide, this launch is a significant step towards its goal of global coverage.
This launch underscores ISRO's growing prowess and reliability in the global commercial satellite launch market. By successfully deploying this advanced satellite, India not only demonstrates its technical capability but also contributes to a project that could bridge digital divides and provide seamless connectivity across the globe.
