Premium

ISRO’s BlueBird Block-2 Mission lift-off today: Watch LIVE

ISRO BlueBird Block-2 Mission: Read all about the LVM3-M6 launch, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite and its role in enabling space-based mobile broadband connectivity.

LVM3M6 is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft tomorrow from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (ISRO).

ISRO’s LVM3-M6, also known as the BlueBird Block-2 Mission, is a dedicated commercial launch planned on the LVM3 rocket to place the BlueBird Block-2. ISRO’s heavy-lift rocket LVM3 will launch a US communications satellite, BlueBird Block-2 (AST SpaceMobile), on December 24 at 8:54 AM (Indian Standard Time) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

ALSO READ | ISRO conducts fresh tests to check parachute systems to bring back Gaganyaan astronauts

What’s happening

Mission: LVM3-M6 to place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit as a dedicated commercial launch

Why it’s notable: It’s the 6th operational flight of the LVM3 rocket, underlining India’s growing role in commercial space launches.

What is this satellite for

BlueBird Block-2 is part of a new generation of satellites that enables space-based cellular broadband services. These allow direct connectivity to regular mobile smartphones without the need for specialised equipment.

BlueBird Block-2 basics

Owner: AST SpaceMobile (US-based)

Aim: Support cellular broadband from space and enable direct-to-phone service.

Where it’s going: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — roughly 160 km to 1,600 km above Earth.

Story continues below this ad

Largest commercial communications satellite to be placed in Low earth orbit (LEO)

Heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian territory

LVM3 rocket basics

LVM3 is ISRO’s “heavy mover” with three stages:

Two solid boosters (S200)
One liquid core stage (L110)
One cryogenic upper stage (C25)

LVM3 has flown major missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, plus two OneWeb missions that deployed 72 satellites. Its most recent flight was LVM3-M5/CMS-03 on Nov 2, 2025.

Story continues below this ad

Numbers to remember

Launch time: Dec 24, 8:54 am IST
Rocket size: 43.5 metres tall and around 640 tonnes
Capacity: Up to 4,200 kg to GTO (a high-energy orbit route used for some satellites).

ALSO READ | JAXA mission onboard H3 rocket fails at second stage

What to look for

The key moment after liftoff: When the rocket deploys the satellite into LEO. Then it’s all about how well the satellite performs its direct-to-phone connectivity goals over time.

The mission represents the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle, further underlining India’s growing role in commercial space launches.

The mission will be launched at 8:54 AM on December 24, a day ahead of Christmas from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. You can watch the livestream of the historic launch here: