BlueBird-6 Lift Off: Will BlueBird Block-2 launched from ISRO’s Bahubali rocket really change the world of mobile connectivity? How will this 6.5 ton satellite deliver 4G-5G to smartphones without any special device and why is it historic for India?
New Delhi. Another big and shocking chapter has been added to India’s space history. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched America’s next generation BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite through its most powerful rocket LVM3-M6 (Baahubali) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This launch is not just a satellite mission, but the technology that claims to provide 4G-5G network in the future without tower, without dish and without any special device directly on the smartphone.
What is BlueBird Block-2?
BlueBird Block-2 is a massive 6.5 tonne communications satellite, deployed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). According to ISRO, this is the heaviest payload ever sent into LEO. This satellite has been built by the American company AST SpaceMobile, whose aim is to provide mobile network to every person, at all times, in every corner of the world.
Scroll to load tweet…
Without tower, without changing SIM, how will the internet work?
This is the most mysterious and revolutionary part of this technology. Until now, satellite internet required a special dish or receiver, but the BlueBird system is designed to connect directly to a normal smartphone. Meaning:
- No new phone.
- No additional antenna.
- No special hardware.
- Just your current mobile phone and this satellite present in space above.
How powerful is this satellite?
According to AST SpaceMobile, BlueBird Block-2 has a 223 square meter phased array antenna. This is the reason why it is considered to be the largest commercial communication satellite present at an altitude of about 600 kilometers. This satellite:
- 4G and 5G calls
- Video call
- text message
- live streaming
- high-speed data
Has the ability to deliver everything directly to the mobile.
Scroll to load tweet…
Will we really get internet directly from space on our mobiles?
Yes, this is the biggest feature of this mission. BlueBird Block-2 of American company AST SpaceMobile is the first communication satellite, which has been designed in such a way that it can connect directly to a normal smartphone. Meaning, no satellite phone needed, no separate antenna – just the phone in your pocket.
Have BlueBird satellites been launched before?
Yes. AST SpaceMobile had launched five satellites from BlueBird-1 to BlueBird-5 in September 2024. These satellites are providing continuous internet coverage in America and some other countries. Now the company is working on a plan to launch dozens of new satellites to further strengthen this network.
Why is this mission so special for ISRO?
This mission is the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 rocket and was extremely technically challenging. Reaching LEO with a payload of 6,100 kg proves ISRO’s heavy launch capability. Due to this, India’s image is becoming not just that of a cheap launch provider, but of a high-end space technology partner.
Scroll to load tweet…
How deep has India-US space cooperation become?
This is the second major collaborative mission between ISRO and the US. Earlier in July, ISRO had launched the NASA-ISRO NISAR mission, which can scan the Earth’s surface even under fog, clouds and snow. These missions show that India is now coming into the role of global space technology leader.
What did the government say?
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said at the launch that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ISRO is continuously achieving historic successes one after the other and the whole world is watching India’s space prowess.
Why is the partnership between ISRO and America considered important?
This is the second major space collaboration between ISRO and America. Earlier in July, ISRO had launched the NASA-ISRO NISAR mission, which is for high-resolution imaging of the Earth. This mission of BlueBird-6 and ISRO indicates that the future network will no longer be based on the ground but in space. Experts believe that BlueBird-6 and such missions can change the game of telecom and space technology. If this technology becomes successful on a large scale, it could completely change the definition of mobile networks in the coming years.