SpaceX launches Indian satellite GSAT-20 into space, know why ISRO had to take Elon Musk’s help – Elon Musk SpaceX launches India’s 4700 kg GSAT-20 into space ntc
SpaceX’s Falcon9 took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Tuesday carrying the GSAT-20 communication satellite of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The 4,700 kg Indian satellite is designed to enhance India’s communications infrastructure, carrying a Ka-band high-throughput communications payload with a mission life of 14 years.
Once operational, this satellite will provide vital services across the country, including internet connectivity to remote areas and in-flight internet services. Let us tell you that recently there have been regulatory changes, due to which such connectivity has been allowed in the Indian airspace.
The GSAT-N2 communication satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, including eight narrow spot beams and 24 wide spot beams, which will be supported by hub stations located across India.
Partnership was announced in January
New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial segment of government-run ISRO, had announced its first collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on January 3 earlier this year. India had reportedly launched more than 430 foreign satellites, but this satellite was so heavy that the Indian launch vehicle was unable to carry it into space. For this reason ISRO had to partner with SpaceX.
This launch marks the first commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX after a history of dependence on European launch services for heavy satellites. Arianespace currently lacks operational rockets and with geopolitical tensions, Russia and China limiting options, SpaceX has emerged as the best option for India.
Also read: SpaceX created history… The rocket landed at the same place from where it was launched, and that too in the arms of the launch pad.
ISRO’s heaviest launch vehicle, LVM-3, is capable of launching 4000 kg spacecraft into geosynchronous transfer orbit. However, the current demand is much greater than this, forcing the Indian space agency to look outside its scope.
