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ISRO Sets Dec. 24 Launch for AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 6 on LVM3

The mission is a key test for AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-phone broadband system using a nearly 2,400-square-foot phased array.

Overview

  • ISRO confirmed liftoff for Tuesday at 10:24 p.m. EST from the Satish Dhawan Space Center aboard an LVM3 rocket.
  • AST SpaceMobile presents BlueBird 6 as the first in a planned multi-launch campaign running through March 2026.
  • The next‑generation satellite carries nearly 2,400 square feet of phased‑array antennas, which the company says is the largest commercial system in low Earth orbit.
  • AST SpaceMobile reports BlueBird 6 is roughly four times larger than prior models and supports about 10 times the data capacity.
  • The company will stream a webcast about 30 minutes before liftoff with remarks from President Scott Wisniewski and partners, as shares rose roughly 13–14% Monday and then traded lower Tuesday; AST also cites planned manufacturing expansion in Texas and Florida.