ISRO LVM3 rocket carrying BlueBird-6 satellite for global broadband mission

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology

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Source: X

ISRO has rescheduled the launch of BlueBird-6, the heaviest US commercial satellite to date, to December 21, 2025, from its earlier planned date of December 15. The mission will be carried out using India’s heavy-lift LVM3 (Bahubali) rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and represents a significant milestone in Indo-US collaboration in space and global communications.

Developed in partnership with AST SpaceMobile (USA), BlueBird-6 is designed to enable direct-to-device broadband connectivity, particularly targeting remote and underserved regions of the world. The satellite features one of the largest phased array antennas ever deployed in orbit, underscoring a major leap forward in satellite-based communication technology.

The revised launch schedule follows extended pre-launch activities, including detailed integration and testing of the LVM3 launch vehicle with the 6.5-tonne satellite. ISRO officials noted that such adjustments are routine for complex, high-value missions and are essential to ensure mission success. Historical data from previous ISRO launches shows that careful scheduling refinements significantly improve reliability.

BlueBird-6 arrived in India in October 2025 for final preparations under the coordination of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Its launch is expected to further establish India as a trusted partner for executing sophisticated global commercial space missions.

Weighing approximately 6.5 tonnes, BlueBird-6 is the heaviest commercial satellite handled by ISRO so far. Its phased array antenna spans nearly 2,400 square feet, enabling the satellite to transmit broadband signals directly to standard mobile devices without reliance on ground-based towers. Operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), the satellite will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity, critical for regions lacking traditional telecom infrastructure.

The LVM3 launcher, already proven through multiple heavy-lift missions, provides the necessary propulsion, guidance, and precision required to place such a massive and technologically advanced satellite into its designated orbit. Together, the LVM3 and BlueBird-6 represent a powerful combination aimed at reshaping global broadband access while strengthening strategic cooperation between India and the United States in space technology.