BlueBird Block-2 Mission
What is the news?
ISRO will launch the LVM3–M6 mission
Launch site: Second Launch Pad, SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
Payload: BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite
Client: AST SpaceMobile
Launch vehicle: LVM3 (Gaganyaan-class heavy-lift rocket)
What is BlueBird Block-2?
A next-generation communication satellite
Designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones
Works without ground towers
Enables:
4G and 5G voice calls
Video calls
Texts
Internet data
Coverage: Global, 24/7
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite features a 223 m2 phased array, making it the largest commercial communication satellite ever deployed into low Earth orbit.
Weighing 6,100 kg, the communication satellite would be the heaviest payload to be placed into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in LVM3 launch history, the ISRO said.
The previous heaviest was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03, weighing about 4,400 kg that was successfully launched by ISRO on November 2.
Key technical features
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Antenna: 223 square metre phased array
Status:
Largest commercial communication satellite ever placed in LEO
Heaviest payload launched into LEO by LVM3
the 43.5 metre tall LVM3, also known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII, is a three stage rocket with a cryogenic engine designed and developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
The vehicle uses two S200 solid rocket boosters to provide the huge amount of thrust required for lift off. The booster has been developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
Why is this mission important?
1. Direct-to-mobile connectivity
Satellite connects directly to ordinary smartphones
No need for:
Dish antennas
Special phones
Useful for:
Remote areas
Oceans
Disaster zones
2. Major commercial milestone for ISRO
Mission executed through NewSpace India Limited
Shows India’s capability in commercial heavy satellite launches
Enhances India’s position in the global space launch market
3. Part of global LEO constellation
BlueBird Block-2 is part of a LEO satellite constellation
AST SpaceMobile has:
Already launched BlueBird 1–5 in September 2024
Partnerships with 50+ mobile operators worldwide
LVM3 background (value addition)
LVM3 is ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle
Previous important missions:
Chandrayaan-2
Chandrayaan-3
OneWeb missions (72 satellites)
Latest mission before this:
LVM3-M5 / CMS-03 on November 2, 2025
One-line Prelims-ready summary
ISRO’s LVM3–M6 mission will launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit to provide direct-to-smartphone 4G/5G connectivity worldwide as part of a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to BlueBird Block-2 satellite, consider the following statements:
It is designed to provide broadband connectivity directly to smartphones.
It operates as part of a Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation.
It requires special satellite phones for user access.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct — direct-to-mobile broadband is its core purpose.
Statement 2: Correct — it is part of a LEO constellation.
Statement 3: Incorrect — it works with ordinary smartphones.
Q. The BlueBird Block-2 satellite is significant because:
A. It is the first military satellite launched by ISRO
B. It is the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in LEO
C. It operates in geostationary orbit
D. It is meant only for navigation services
Answer: B
Explanation:
With a 223 m² phased array, it is the largest commercial communication satellite in LEO.