ISRO to Launch AST SpaceMobile Communication Satellite on December 24

India’s space agency ISRO is set to carry out an important commercial satellite launch mission later this month, marking another milestone in international space collaboration. The mission will deploy a communication satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile, using ISRO’s heavy-lift LVM3 rocket, reinforcing India’s growing role as a global commercial launch service provider.

LVM3-M6 Mission: Key Details

Commercial Launch for US-Based AST SpaceMobile

According to official sources, LVM3-M6 is a dedicated commercial launch of "BlueBird Block-2" satellite of AST SpaceMobile Inc., USA, through a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

This mission highlights NSIL’s role as ISRO’s commercial arm, responsible for enabling international satellite launches and expanding India’s presence in the global space economy.

Launch Date, Time and Location Confirmed

ISRO has officially confirmed the launch schedule, stating:

"The launch of LVM3-M6 is scheduled on 24 December 2025 at 08:54 hrs IST from the Second Launch Pad, SDSC SHAR (Satish Dhawan Space Centre), Sriharikota,"

The mission will be carried out using the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota, India’s primary spaceport for orbital launches.

ISRO’s LVM3 Rocket: Backbone of Heavy-Lift Missions

Proven Capability for Commercial and Strategic Launches

ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, earlier known as Gaganyaan Launch Vehicle (Gaganyaan LVM3), is India’s most powerful operational launch vehicle. It has been designed to carry heavy payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), making it suitable for both national missions and international commercial launches.

The LVM3 has already demonstrated its reliability through multiple successful missions and is also central to India’s human spaceflight programme.

About the BlueBird Block-2 Satellite

Next-Generation Direct-to-Smartphone Connectivity

AST SpaceMobile, on its official website, has stated that its next-generation BlueBird satellites are designed to:

deliver 24/7 high-speed cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones worldwide.

Unlike conventional satellite systems that require specialised terminals, AST SpaceMobile’s technology aims to connect standard mobile phones directly to satellites, potentially transforming global mobile connectivity, especially in remote and underserved regions.

Record-Breaking Satellite Design

The BlueBird Block-2 satellites represent a major technological leap. According to the company:

• They feature nearly 2,400 square feet arrays

• These will be the largest commercial phased arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit

• This surpasses the previous record held by first-generation BlueBird satellites at 693 square feet

The significantly larger array size enables higher capacity, stronger signals, and broader coverage.

Role of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

Driving India’s Commercial Space Ambitions

The launch has been facilitated through a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s government-owned enterprise tasked with:

• Commercialising Indian launch vehicles

• Managing satellite launch services

• Enabling international partnerships

Such missions underline NSIL’s growing importance in positioning India as a cost-effective and reliable global launch hub.

Significance of the Mission

Strengthening India–US Space Cooperation

The LVM3-M6 mission not only expands ISRO’s commercial launch portfolio but also strengthens India–US cooperation in space technology and satellite communications. With private space companies increasingly seeking reliable launch partners, ISRO’s proven track record continues to attract global players.