The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for a landmark moment in its spaceflight history as it readies the launch of BlueBird-6, a U.S.-built commercial communications satellite developed by AST SpaceMobile. The mission will be carried out using India’s powerful LVM3 (Gaganyaan-class) rocket, marking the heaviest satellite ever launched by ISRO.
Weighing approximately 6.5 tonnes, BlueBird-6 represents a major leap in ISRO’s commercial launch capabilities. The mission, designated LVM3-M6, will place the satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It will be executed under ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), highlighting India’s growing presence in the global launch services market.
BlueBird-6 is designed as an advanced communications satellite equipped with a large deployable array capable of enabling space-based mobile broadband connectivity. Once operational, it is expected to support direct-to-device communications, allowing standard mobile phones to connect via satellite without the need for specialized hardware.
According to official updates, the satellite encapsulation process has been completed, indicating that launch preparations have entered an advanced stage. While ISRO is yet to issue a final confirmation, the launch is currently targeted around 21 December 2025.
This mission is particularly significant for ISRO, as the LVM3 rocket—originally developed for human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan program—is now proving its versatility as a reliable heavy-lift launcher for commercial payloads. Successfully deploying BlueBird-6 will further validate the rocket’s performance for future international missions.
The launch also underscores the strengthening India–United States collaboration in space commerce, with Indian launch infrastructure supporting a cutting-edge American satellite platform. Experts see this as a clear signal of ISRO’s transition from primarily government missions to a competitive global launch provider capable of handling complex, high-mass satellites.
