In a milestone for global telecommunications and India’s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the LVM3-M6 mission on December 24, 2025. This mission is not just another flight for India’s “Bahubali” rocket; it represents a giant leap toward universal connectivity.
Mission Overview: A Record-Breaking Launch
The LVM3-M6 mission is a dedicated commercial flight managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO. It is scheduled to lift off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, at 08:54 IST.
This mission is historic for several reasons:
• Heaviest Payload: At approximately 6,500 kg, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite is the heaviest payload ever launched by the LVM3 from Indian soil.
•Largest Commercial Antenna: Once in orbit, the satellite will deploy a massive 223-square-meter (approx. 2,400 sq. ft.) phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
•Operational Milestone: This marks the 6th operational flight of the LVM3, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable heavy-lift vehicle on the global stage.
The Satellite: AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2
Developed by the US-based firm AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 (also referred to as BlueBird-6) is a next-generation “Direct-to-Device” (D2D) satellite.
Key Technical Capabilities
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 10 GHz processing bandwidth |
| Peak Data Speed | Up to 120 Mbps per coverage cell |
| Compatibility | Standard 4G and 5G smartphones (no mods needed) |
| Coverage Area | Global |
Unlike traditional satellite internet that requires a bulky dish, BlueBird Block-2 connects directly to the phone in your pocket. It is designed to provide seamless voice, video, and data services even in the middle of the ocean, deep in the Himalayas, or across vast deserts.
The Launch Vehicle: India’s “Bahubali” (LVM3)
The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) is ISRO’s most powerful rocket. It is a three-stage vehicle configured with:
- S200 Solid Boosters: Two massive strap-on motors for initial thrust.
- L110 Liquid Core Stage: Powered by two Vikas engines.
- C25 Cryogenic Upper Stage: A high-performance stage that ensures precise orbital injection.
Having successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and several OneWeb satellite constellations, the LVM3 has become India’s primary tool for competing in the multi-billion dollar heavy-launch market.
Why This Mission Matters
“We are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s nearly six billion mobile subscribers and bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.” — AST SpaceMobile
For India, this mission reinforces its status as a premier global space hub. For the world, it signals a future where “No Service” bars become a relic of the past. By providing high-speed internet to regions where ground-based cell towers are impossible to build, the LVM3-M6 mission is literally building a bridge to the unconnected world.