ISRO is preparing for the launch of BlueBird-6, the biggest US commercial satellite so far, which is now rescheduled for execution on the 21st of December 2025. Earlier, it was scheduled for the 15th of December. Developed in collaboration with the US-based company AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird-6 satellite aims to establish direct-to-device broadband connectivity for the unreached areas of the globe. It carries one of the largest phased array antennas in orbit. This is one significant step forward for the global communication technology as a whole. It also reflects the increasing levels of collaboration between India-US.
ISRO’s BlueBird-6 launch rescheduled set for 21st December
Initially fixed for the 15th of December, the launch schedule has now been rescheduled to the 21st of December owing to prolonged pre-launch activities, including the integration of the LVM3 launch vehicle. According to ISRO, it is essential to test the satellite’s systems thoroughly since it is heavy and costs crores. Though delays can be irksome for everyone around the globe, data from previous ISRO launches indicate that even small adjustments make a huge difference in the possibilities of a successful launch.The BlueBird-6 is significant for both Indo-US collaboration efforts in space technology, as it is one of the satellites that finally reached India in October 2025 for the final preparations before the launch through the NSIL (NewSpace India Limited). This is expected to show India’s capability to undertake complex global commercial projects.
BlueBird-6: Heaviest commercial satellite delayed with advanced phased antenna
BlueBird-6 is a record-breaking 6.5 tonnes in weight, making it the heaviest commercial satellite that ISRO has dealt with before. The satellite is to be launched through the “Bahubali” rocket of LVM3 from the Sriharikota range. It is important for a satellite of such mass with complex systems to be launched successfully. This is achieved by integrating rocket propulsion systems, guidance systems, and satellite systems together without any complications occurring mid-flight. It is important to note that such delays are not a worry since they are common practice to ensure that the satellite is functioning properly.It is accompanied by a phased antenna array that occupies almost 2,400 square feet of space; the largest one to be launched into space so far. This helps the satellite, named BlueBird-6, directly transmit broadband signals to mobile devices without relying on ground stations. It is crucial for the satellite to be positioned in a low-Earth orbit to ensure low latency of signals for areas that do not possess communication infrastructure.
Bluebird-6 antenna and LVM3 ensure fast, low-latency connectivity
BlueBird-6 comprises one of the biggest phased antenna arrays in orbit, allowing for unprecedented coverage and high speeds. Being in low Earth orbit means that the signals get to the devices with little latency. This is very effective for direct-to-device broadband communications.The LVM3 launcher, which is used for the deployment of the satellite, has also been widely tested for its heavy-lift capability. Being a reliable system, it is able to carry valuable satellites to accurate orbit paths. This is accompanied by the development of monitoring systems that help in tracking the launched satellite. This is done by ISRO satellite software developed by their engineers. When fully deployed, BlueBird-6 will provide a major boost to broadband availability for the areas that remain underserved in the globe, including the rural areas of Asia, Africa, as well as other areas of North America.Being able to provide high-speed internet access to devices directly, the satellite decreases reliance on ground infrastructure, which would be both expensive to establish and difficult to implement in rural areas. Experts believe that such missions tend to pave the way for other satellites that hope to provide global digital access effectively.
