ISRO’s LVM3-M6 Launch Countdown Starts: Mission Details, Payload and Timeline

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday (23 December) initiated the 24-hour countdown for the launch of its LVM3-M6 rocket in Andhra Pradesh. This heavy-lift launch vehicle will carry the new-generation

Bluebird Block-2 spacecraft into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 8:54 AM IST on Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The BlueBird Block-2 MissionThe mission is being undertaken as part of a commercial agreement signed between NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and US-based AST SpaceMobile (AST and Science, LLC). NSIL is the commercial branch of ISRO. AST SpaceMobile is developing a unique, first-of-its-kind space-based cellular broadband network that works directly with standard smartphones, aimed at serving both commercial users and government needs.

The BlueBird Block-2 mission would deploy a next-generation satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband connection directly to smartphones worldwide. The mission is part of a global LEO constellation that aspires to provide direct-to-mobile connectivity through satellite, ISRO announced.“This will facilitate 4G and 5G voice and video calls, texts, streaming and data for everyone, everywhere at all times," the organisation added.AST SpaceMobile had previously launched five satellites, Bluebird 1-5 in September 2024, which provide nonstop internet coverage throughout the United States of America and other countries.

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The company plans to launch more satellites of a similar nature to extend its network support and has partnered with more than 50 mobile operators across the world.Details of the LVM3-M6 MissionThe LVM3-M6 is the Sixth Operational Flight of the LVM3 vehicle and follows eight consecutive successive missions. It also serves as the third dedicated commercial mission to launch the BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft. ISRO announced that at 6,100 kgs, this mission would mark the heaviest payload to be placed in the LEO in the LVM3 launch history. The previous record-holder was the LVM3-M5 Communication Satellite 03 launch on November 2, which weighed about 4,400 kg.The LVM3, also called the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV MkIII), is a 43.5 metre tall 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 significant amount of thrust required for lift off with a rocket of its capacity, which were developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.The Bluebird Block-2 Satellite is expected to get separated from the launch vehicle after a flight of approximately 15 minutes following liftoff. Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V Narayan offered his prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala today morning.(Written with inputs from PTI.)