ISRO launch: BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite launch explained, how to watch

Space connectivity is poised for a massive upgrade as the Indian Space Research Organisation prepares for its latest commercial venture. The LVM3-M6 mission is not just another launch; it represents a critical step in the race to provide direct-to-smartphone broadband connectivity from space. Scheduled to lift off from Sriharikota, the mission carries the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile. This launch underscores India’s growing capability in the heavy-lift market, facilitated by NewSpace India Limited, and promises to test the limits of what commercial satellites can achieve in low Earth orbit.

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A cell tower in the sky

The BlueBird Block-2 is an engineering marvel designed to solve one of the most persistent problems in telecommunications: dead zones. Unlike traditional communication satellites that require bulky ground terminals or specialized satellite phones, this spacecraft is engineered to connect directly to the standard mobile phones people use every day. To achieve this, it features a massive phased array antenna that will unfold in space to cover approximately 223 square meters. This surface area, roughly the size of a tennis court, allows it to pick up faint signals from a smartphone and beam back high-speed 4G and 5G broadband, effectively functioning as a powerful cell tower orbiting the planet.

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Pushing the LVM3 to the limit

For ISRO, this mission is a significant test of its heavy-lift capabilities. The LVM3, often affectionately called “Baahubali” for its lifting power, will be carrying a payload weighing approximately 6,500 kilograms. This makes the BlueBird Block-2 the heaviest payload the rocket has ever transported to a Low Earth Orbit. Successfully deploying such a massive structure not only validates the LVM3 as a reliable vehicle for heavy commercial payloads but also cements ISRO’s position as a key player in the global space economy. The precise orbital injection required for such a large, complex satellite highlights the technical maturity of India’s launch program.

Where and how to watch the launch

Space enthusiasts and tech watchers can witness this historic lift-off live. The launch is scheduled for December 24, 2025, at 08:54 IST from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO will begin its live broadcast around 30 minutes prior to launch, starting at 08:24 IST. Viewers can tune in to the official stream on the ISRO YouTube channel to see the LVM3 roar into the sky once again.

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Vyom Ramani

A journalist with a soft spot for tech, games, and things that go beep. While waiting for a delayed metro or rebooting his brain, you’ll find him solving Rubik’s Cubes, bingeing F1, or hunting for the next great snack. View Full Profile