ISRO's LVM3 to launch BlueBird Block-2; targets global smartphone connectivity
ISRO is preparing to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing over 6,000 kg, on its powerful LVM3 rocket by late 2025. This satellite aims to bring 4G/5G cellular broadband directly to smartphones globally via a massive space-based network. This mission underscores India's growing role in commercial space and could revolutionize global mobile connectivity.
India is making a significant leap in commercial space endeavors with ISRO's powerful LVM3 rocket preparing to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite by late 2025. This mission marks a pivotal step in establishing global 4G/5G cellular broadband connectivity directly to smartphones from space, showcasing India’s expanding capabilities in the competitive commercial satellite launch market.
The BlueBird Block-2, developed by US-based AST SpaceMobile, is a massive communication satellite weighing over 6,000 kg. It will be the largest payload ever deployed by the LVM3 into Low-Earth Orbit, highlighting the rocket's increasing capability. The satellite is designed with an expansive phased array of nearly 2,500 square feet, significantly larger than its predecessors, aiming to deliver continuous, high-speed cellular service from an orbital altitude of 520 kilometers.
Scheduled for December 24, 2025, at 8:54 am IST, the launch from Sriharikota is a dedicated commercial flight facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). It signals ISRO's growing role as a reliable global launch provider, building on a strong track record of successful LVM3 missions. This heavy-lift rocket, also designated for India's astronaut program, the Gaganyaan mission, is a testament to India's advanced space technology.
This ambitious project is set to revolutionize telecommunications by bridging connectivity gaps in remote areas and enhancing mobile services globally. The successful deployment of BlueBird Block-2 could fundamentally change how people connect, ushering in an era of ubiquitous cellular access directly from space.
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