ISRO to launch Bluebird Block-2 mission tomorrow | All about the space mission

Weighing 6,100 kg, Bluebird Block-2 will be the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by an LVM3 rocket.

Published on: Dec 23, 2025, 21:56:27 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the LVM3-M6 rocket, carrying a next-generation US communication satellite, is set for launch from its spaceport on Wednesday. A 24-hour countdown for the mission began on Tuesday.

ISRO's LVM3M6 is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, tomorrow. (@isro/X)

The Bluebird Block-2 satellite will be launched on a dedicated commercial mission using ISRO’s heavy-lift vehicle, LVM3-M6, from the second launch pad at the spaceport. Liftoff is scheduled for 8.54 am, PTI reported.

Also read| How to protect your WhatsApp account from hackers and online scams

About the latest ISRO launch

Weighing 6,100 kg, Bluebird Block-2 will be the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by an LVM3 rocket. The previous record was held by the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, which weighed approximately 4,400 kg and was launched successfully on November 2.

This mission is being conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)—ISRO’s commercial arm—and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). The satellite is designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide, making it part of a global LEO constellation for mobile connectivity.

AST SpaceMobile is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network, which will allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites for both commercial and government purposes. The network will support 4G and 5G voice and video calls, messaging, streaming, and data services anywhere on the globe.

Also read| 59-year-old Hyderabad man loses ₹2.49 lakh in delivery OTP scam: How the fraud unfolds

Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on December 23 to offer prayers.

The LVM3 rocket, also known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII, is a three-stage vehicle with a cryogenic engine developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. It is 43.5 metres tall and uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to generate the thrust required for liftoff. The boosters were developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

After a 15-minute flight, the Bluebird Block-2 satellite is expected to separate from the launch vehicle. The satellite features a 223 m² phased array, making it the largest commercial communications satellite deployed into Low Earth Orbit, approximately 600 km above Earth.

Earlier, AST SpaceMobile launched five satellites—Bluebird 1 to 5—in September 2024, which currently provide internet coverage across the United States and select countries. The company plans to launch additional satellites to expand network coverage and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators globally.

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Isro

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.