How ISRO’s BlueBird Block-2 Could Change Mobile Connectivity
On December 24, India’s space programme will help unlock a long-promised idea: cellular broadband from space, directly to ordinary smartphones. With ISRO launching AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 satellite, the world moves closer to a future where mobile networks are no longer limited by towers, borders, or terrain.
What exactly is ISRO launching?
India’s space agency, ISRO, will launch AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite aboard its heavy-lift rocket LVM3 on December 24, 2025, from Sriharikota. It is a dedicated commercial mission for US-based AST SpaceMobile.
Why is this launch significant for the world?
Because BlueBird Block-2 is designed to deliver 4G and 5G cellular broadband directly to unmodified smartphones from low Earth orbit. No satellite phones. No external antennas. Just space-based mobile connectivity using everyday devices—anywhere on Earth.
What makes the Block-2 satellite technologically unique?
The satellite carries what is reportedly the largest commercial phased-array antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit, spanning nearly 2,400 square feet. Compared to earlier BlueBird models, Block-2 is 3.5 times larger and supports 10 times more data capacity, with peak speeds of up to 120 Mbps per coverage cell.
How is this different from existing satellite internet services?
Most satellite services require specialised terminals or outdoor equipment. BlueBird Block-2 bypasses that entirely. Powered by AST SpaceMobile’s proprietary AST5000 chip, it connects directly to standard smartphones, making satellite broadband feel like a natural extension of existing mobile networks.
How big is the global rollout plan?
AST SpaceMobile plans launches roughly every 45 days through 2026, aiming to deploy 45–60 satellites by the end of the year. The goal is continuous coverage across the US, Europe, and Japan, before expanding globally.
Which telecom companies are backing this network?
The company has partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators worldwide, collectively serving nearly three billion subscribers. Partners include Verizon and AT&T in the US, and Vodafone across Europe and Africa. Contracted revenues reportedly exceed $1 billion.
How does this compare with Starlink and similar constellations?
While Starlink operates thousands of satellites, its direct-to-phone service is currently limited to basic texting and requires clear sky visibility. AST SpaceMobile’s approach uses fewer but far larger satellites, designed specifically for full cellular broadband, not just messaging.
What does this mean for India’s space economy?
Executed through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, the mission reinforces India’s role as a reliable, cost-effective global launch partner. Over the past decade, ISRO has earned about $439 million from foreign satellite launches, and this mission deepens India–US space cooperation.
Who benefits the most from this technology?
The 3.4 billion people worldwide without reliable cellular broadband. From remote villages and oceans to disaster zones and conflict areas, space-based cellular networks can enable healthcare access, education, financial services, emergency response, and secure government communications.
What happens after launch?
Following deployment, BlueBird Block-2 will undergo commissioning before entering service. AST SpaceMobile expects intermittent coverage in early 2026, scaling to continuous service as more satellites are launched. Success here will determine whether satellite-to-smartphone connectivity becomes a global standard.
(yMedia is the content partner for this story)