India is set to launch its most advanced communication satellite, GSAT-N2, also known as GSAT-20. The satellite will be launched from Cape Canaveral, USA, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this satellite weighs approximately 4,700 kilograms and was too heavy for Indian rockets to carry. Since it could not be launched using Indian rockets, it is being deployed through a foreign commercial launch.
The launch is being conducted through ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL). This will be NSIL’s second commercial satellite, complementing the 11 satellites already serving Indian territories. For the launch, NSIL has paid SpaceX approximately Rs. 500 crore. This marks India’s first commercial launch collaboration with SpaceX. Experts believe this partnership could pave the way for more commercial launches in the future.
Will provide internet services in remote areas and flights
Once operational, this satellite will deliver data and internet services to India’s remote regions. Additionally, it will enable in-flight internet connectivity for passengers aboard aircraft. However, it may take some time before these satellite-based internet services are fully available, as service providers will need to secure licenses and aircraft will require preparation to connect to the satellite system.
India’s most advanced and high-capacity satellite
According to a report by NDTV, Dr. M Shankaran, Director of ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre, stated, “This domestically developed satellite will bridge the significant gap in in-flight internet connectivity within India.” Until now, international flights entering Indian airspace had to discontinue internet services, as such services were not permitted in India.
GSAT-N2 is India’s most advanced Ka-band satellite, featuring a multi-beam architecture and spot beam technology that significantly boosts system capacity. The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, including 8 narrow beams dedicated to the North-East region and 24 wide beams for other parts of India.
14-year mission life
GSAT-N2 has a mission life of 14 years. It will serve a large number of users through small user terminals, transforming broadband services and in-flight connectivity in India. U.S.-based satellite service provider Viasat Inc. will also utilize GSAT-20 to offer in-flight and maritime connectivity services in India.
Owner of SpaceX and Falcon 9
SpaceX was founded by Elon Musk, who is also its owner. Elon Musk is an American entrepreneur, investor, and one of the world’s leading innovators. He established SpaceX in 2002 with the primary goal of developing cost-effective and efficient technologies to transport humans and cargo into space.
The Falcon 9 is a reusable rocket developed by SpaceX. It is capable of carrying satellites and astronauts to Earth’s orbit and beyond. The name Falcon 9 is inspired by the famous fictional spaceship “Millennium Falcon.”
In addition to SpaceX, Elon Musk is the founder and owner of other major companies like Tesla, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.
