ISRO will launch the LVM3-M6 rocket on December 24, 2025, at 08:54 IST from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The mission will deploy AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing 6.1 tonnes, into Low Earth Orbit. This commercial launch by NewSpace India Limited marks the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 vehicle.
Key Mission Details
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite aims to provide space-based cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones, bypassing ground cell towers. It features a large phased-array antenna and supports 4G and 5G connectivity for remote areas. The LVM3 rocket stands 43.5 metres tall with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes and has a payload capacity of 4,200 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
NSIL, ISRO’s commercial arm, handles this dedicated launch under a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile of the USA. The mission follows the successful LVM3-M5/CMS-03 launch on November 2, 2025.
LVM3 Vehicle Background
LVM3 is ISRO’s heavy-lift launcher with two solid strap-on motors, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. Past missions include Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb satellite deployments. All previous LVM3 flights have succeeded, proving reliability for heavy payloads.
This launch sets records as the largest commercial communications satellite for Low Earth Orbit and the heaviest payload by LVM3 from India.
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Significance for India’s Space Sector
The mission supports India’s growing $8 billion space economy through global partnerships. NSIL has launched 124 international and three Indian customer satellites using PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV. It advances commercial space business and industry participation post-2020 reforms.
Public viewing of the launch will be available at the Launch View Gallery, with online registration open at lvg.shar.gov.in.
ISRO said, “The launch of LVM3-M6 is scheduled for December 24, 2025, at 08:54 IST from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.” The space agency added that the mission carries a next-generation BlueBird Block-2 satellite, designed to enable direct smartphone connectivity.
Final vehicle preparations are complete as of December 21, 2025. Live coverage of the launch will begin at 08:24 IST on December 24 across ISRO’s official platforms. Success will enable AST SpaceMobile to expand its network for global broadband access.
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