ISRO plans to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit on December 24 as part of a commercial agreement with US-based AST SpaceMobile. The mission is a significant milestone, as the satellite was designed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide. Built by AST SpaceMobile, the satellite is part of a space-based cellular network designed to service both commercial and government users.
The startup intends to overcome connectivity gaps for billions of mobile users worldwide, including areas that now lack reliable broadband access. AST SpaceMobile has already launched five BlueBird satellites in September 2024, providing continuous coverage in the United States and select international markets. More launches are planned to increase network capacity, with help from partnerships with more than 50 mobile operators globally.
The BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft contains a vast 223 square metre phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever launched into low Earth orbit. ISRO reported that NewSpace India Limited and AST SpaceMobile signed this specialised mission. The satellite will be the LVM3 rocket’s biggest payload to date.
