SpaceX Successfully Launches ISRO's GSAT-N2 Satellite

By siliconindia  |  Tuesday, 19 November 2024, 09:55:10 AM IST

SpaceX Successfully Launches ISRO's GSAT-N2 Satellite
SpaceX has successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s GSAT-N2 communication satellite from Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Tuesday. The satellite, which was deployed using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marks a significant milestone in the growing commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX.
The GSAT-N2, also referred to as GSAT-20, is a high-throughput communication satellite developed by ISRO's Satellite Centre and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. With a data transmission capacity of 48 Gbps, it aims to enhance broadband services and provide in-flight connectivity across India. This satellite will bolster the communication infrastructure crucial for the country's Smart Cities Mission and is expected to operate for the next 14 years.
According to Radhakrishnan Durairaj, chairman and managing director of New Space India Limited, the satellite was successfully placed in a precise orbit, signaling the beginning of many such partnerships between ISRO and SpaceX. The GSAT-N2 is equipped with 32 user beams 8 narrow spot beams covering Northeast India and 24 wide spot beams for the rest of the country. This will improve the availability of high-speed internet across remote regions, further strengthening India's digital infrastructure.
The selection of SpaceX for this mission is due to its ability to handle large payloads. While ISRO's LVM-3 vehicle can carry up to 4,000 kg, the GSAT-N2 weighs 4,700 kg, making SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket a suitable choice for the launch, especially after Arianespace's French launch vehicle was unavailable for such a heavy payload.
This successful launch highlights the expanding partnership between ISRO and private space companies like SpaceX in advancing India's space capabilities.

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