ISRO to Launch US Communication Satellite Enabling Space-Based Phone Calls
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch a US communication satellite that will enable mobile phone calls directly from space. The mission, expected in February or March, represents a significant milestone, as it marks the first time a US company will send a large communication satellite into orbit via an Indian rocket.
So far, India has only launched small satellites for American companies, making this a landmark collaboration. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, confirmed the mission’s timeline, noting its potential to revolutionise mobile communication technology.
AST SpaceMobile and Revolutionary Satellite Technology
While the American company behind the satellite has not been officially confirmed, industry experts point to AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based firm specialising in satellite communication. The company has developed innovative technology that enables ordinary smartphones to connect directly to satellites for voice calls and broadband services, bypassing the need for specialised devices like those required by Starlink.
The satellite, identified as a Block 2 Bluebird model, features a massive 64-square-metre antenna—half the size of a football field—and weighs approximately 6,000 kg. AST SpaceMobile’s technology aims to provide 5G broadband and close global connectivity gaps, bringing affordable internet access to billions worldwide.
Launch Details and Broader Implications
The Bluebird satellite will be launched aboard Indian Space Research Organisation’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota. The mission underscores ISRO’s growing prominence in the global space industry, building on its track record of delivering reliable and cost-effective satellite launches.
This initiative highlights India’s expanding role in fostering international collaborations and technological advancements in space exploration. As AST SpaceMobile seeks to digitally transform connectivity worldwide, the mission also cements the Indian Space Research Organisation’s reputation as a preferred partner for ambitious global space projects.
