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AST SpaceMobile to launch satellites in March?

January 13, 2025

By Chris Forrester

AST SpaceMobile (AST), which is looking to establish a space-based ‘direct-to-cellular’ service, will use an Indian rocket to launch two of its Block-2 Bluebird satellites. The current information is that the launch could take place in March although this is not yet confirmed.

What has been confirmed is that India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will use its LVM3-M5 mission, currently set for March, to lift the two AST satellites into their low Earth orbit.

Dr Jitendra Singh, India’s minister of Science and Technology and minister of Earth Sciences, was apprised of ISRO’s major upcoming space missions by the senior officers. ISRO has major space missions scheduled in the first half of 2025, including two GSLV missions, one commercial mission of LVM3 for a global customer (AST).

ISRO added that the LVM3-M5 launch is for a dedicated commercial mission to launch BlueBird Block-2 satellites under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Ltd. and AST SpaceMobile. “LVM3 vehicle systems are available at Sriharikota and the vehicle integration has commenced for a proposed launch in March,” it said.

The export of the satellites from their Midland, Texas factory needs ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) which as well as munitions also covers high-tech products such as satellites and their components.

Other AST launches will take place over the next months, including using SpaceX and Blue Origin rockets and overall placing more than 40 BlueBirds into orbit during the year.

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