Into orbit: Musk’s SpaceX does heavylifting for ISRO

Marking a new era for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country’s most advanced communication satellite, GSAT-N2, was on Tuesday successfully launched by billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from the US.

Until now, ISRO depended on the French company, Arianespace, for launching its heavy satellites. However, Arianespace did not have a vehicle immediately ready for launching a heavy communication satellite, sources said.

France and India have also collaborated for developing a weather satellite — Megha-Tropiques. France had earlier helped India in developing cryogenic engine after Russia backed out of the project.

Today’s launch is said to be a reflection of the growing warmth in Indo-US relationship. “On November 19, at 00:01 hours (IST), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) successfully undertook the launch of GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) communication satellite onboard Falcon-9 launcher from the Space Launch Complex- 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, US. GSAT-N2 is the second demand-driven mission of the NSIL. GSAT-N2, weighing 4,700 kg, is a Ka-Ka band HTS satellite with a capacity of 48 Gbps,” said the NSIL, the commercial arm of the state-run ISRO, in a statement.

The satellite will provide pan-India coverage, including over Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. The NSIL has got the satellite built through ISRO. After nearly 34 minutes of flight, GSAT-N2 was successfully injected into its intended super geosynchronous transfer orbit with perigee of 250 km, apogee of 59,730 km and 27.5 degree inclination, the NSIL said.

“Kudos team ISRO and SpaceX for the successful launch of GSAT N2! Aims at enhancing Internet services, including in remote areas as well as in-flight connectivity. With the personal intervention of PM Narendra Modi, ISRO has been able to register one success after the other,” Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, posted on X.

The GSAT-N2 has a mission life of 14 years, an ISRO spokesperson said.

Sat Weighs 4,700 kg

• GSAT-N2 launched by Falcon-9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, US
• Satellite weighs 4,700 kg & aims to enhance Net coverage
• Until now, ISRO depended on French firm Arianespace for launching its heavy satellites

Why us firm

ISRO picked SpaceX to deliver 4,700-kg GSAT-20 as its own heaviest launch vehicle, LVM-3, can carry up to 4,000 kg payload. SpaceX was only viable option as French firm Arianespace lacks operational rockets, Russia is busy in conflict and China is off limits