ISRO to launch AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellite, expanding global connectivity

The LVM3, a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO. PIC/ISRO ON X

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on Wednesday at 8.54 am aboard the LVM3-M6 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 rocket and is a dedicated commercial mission.

The BlueBird Block-2 will be the largest commercial communication satellite ever placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and will also be the heaviest payload launched by LVM3. The satellite is part of AST SpaceMobile's next-generation system, aiming to revolutionise cellular broadband connectivity. The satellite will enable 4G/5G communication directly to standard smartphones, without the need for additional hardware.

Once operational, the BlueBird Block-2 will provide global connectivity, offering calls, web access, and video services directly from space, significantly enhancing mobile communication worldwide.

The LVM3, a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, has a history of successfully launching missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb.

India has to triple its satellites in orbit in the next three years: ISRO chief

Earlier in July, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said that the country has to nearly triple its number of satellites in space, from the current 55, within the next three years.

He made the statement during 'The GP Birla Memorial Lecture on Indian Space Programme - Accomplishments, Challenges and Future Perspectives' in Hyderabad.

Narayanan, who is also the secretary of the department of space, received the prestigious GP Birla Memorial Award.

During his address, he said in the next 15 years, India would be on par with any other country in terms of space technology, application area, and infrastructure.

The ISRO Chairman further stated that 12 launch vehicle missions have been planned by the space agency this year.

"Now we are working on building our own space station. We are going to have our own Chandrayaan landing. Right now, 55 satellites are in orbit serving the common man in this country. And in another three years, this number will have to become almost three times. The requirement is huge. The demand is so much that we have to build satellites. We are working towards that," he said.

Later, talking to reporters, he said that in 2035 India will build a full space station, and the first module will be placed in orbit in the next three years.