Bluebird 6 Satellite Latest News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch the US-based commercial BlueBird-6 satellite developed by US-based AST Spacemobile on 21st December 2025 using ISRO’s LVM-3 rocket.
About Bluebird 6 Satellite
- Purpose: Designed to provide direct-to-device internet connectivity, enabling mobile phones to access broadband without relying on traditional cell towers.
- Origin: Developed by the US-based commercial company AST SpaceMobile for global mobile coverage.
- Weight and Size: Weighs around 6.5 tonnes, making it one of the heaviest satellites launched by ISRO.
- Orbit Type: Will operate in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to cover large regions of the Earth efficiently.
- Technology: Features one of the largest phased array antennas ever flown, which covers nearly 2,400 square feet, allowing it to communicate directly with standard mobile phones.
- Significance: It enhances global mobile broadband connectivity, especially in remote and rural areas.
- Collaboration: Represents a significant step in Indo-US space cooperation and commercial space ventures.
- Future Impact: Expected to help bridge the digital divide, providing internet access to regions without cellular infrastructure.
About LVM-3
- LVM-3, also known as GSLV Mk III or “Bahubali”, is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO.
- It is designed to carry large satellites into space and support human spaceflight missions.
- The rocket is approximately 43.43 meters tall and has a lift-off mass of around 640 tonnes, making it India’s heaviest launch vehicle.
- It can carry up to 4 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- It is a three-stage rocket: two solid rocket boosters (S200), a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25).
- It has been used for heavier communication satellites, interplanetary missions, and India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight project.
- Its first successful experimental flight was in December 2014, and it is known for its reliability and heavy payload capability.
Source: ToI
Bluebird Satellite FAQs
Q1: Who developed the Bluebird satellite?
Ans: It was developed by the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile.
Q2: What is the primary purpose of the Bluebird satellite?
Ans: Direct smartphone communication from space.
Q3: What is the approximate weight of the Bluebird satellite?
Ans: 6,000 kg
Q4: In which type of Earth orbit will the Bluebird satellite operate?
Ans: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
