ISRO’s LVM3 to launch next-generation communication satellite on Dec 24
ISRO’s upcoming LVM3 M6 mission will carry the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit on December 24, as part of a commercial deal with US-based AST SpaceMobile.
The historic mission will deploy the next-generation communication satellite designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones worldwide.
AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC) is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network, which is accessible directly by smartphones and designed for both commercial and government applications.
“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,” the company said in its website.
AST SpaceMobile has launched five satellites — BlueBird 1-5 in September 2024, which enable continuous internet coverage across the US and other select countries.
The US-based company has planned to launch similar satellites to augment its network support and has partnered with over 50 mobile operators across the globe.
For the upcoming mission, AST SpaceMobile has planned to launch its next-generation communication satellite, Bluebird Block-2, which has been designed to deliver 24/7 high-speed cellular broadband direct to smartphones worldwide.