The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its first-ever rocket mission using SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket. On November 18, SpaceX launched ISRO's advanced communication satellite, GSAT-20 or GSAT-N2, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
This event marks ISRO's first collaboration with SpaceX on a launch, facilitated by its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL).
Why was SpaceX Rocket Used?
ISRO usually uses Ariane rockets for launching heavy satellites. However, for this mission, ISRO chose SpaceX's Falcon 9 due to launch availability and the weight of GSAT-N2 (4,700 kg). Until now, ISRO relied on Ariane rockets for its heavy GSAT launches from Kourou, French Guiana.
What is GSAT-N2?
The GSAT-N2 is a high-throughput communication satellite that will improve in-flight connectivity and internet services throughout India. It will offer substantial data transmission capacity, especially for the Smart Cities Mission in India.
Key Features of GSAT-N2
The Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA's Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) served as the launch site for the satellite. As per ISRO, the GSAT-N2 has a 14-year mission life.
Check the key features of the GSAT-N2 satellite, that ISRO launched using the Falcon 9 rocket of SpaceX:
High-throughput: It provides a substantial 48 Gbps data transfer capability.
Multi-beam architecture: This improves coverage and efficiency by using many spot beams to reach various parts of India.
Advanced technology: The satellite uses cutting-edge technologies such as Li-Ion batteries, a complex AOCS system, and a CFRP-based frame.
ISRO’S First
For the first time, ISRO's commercial division, New Space India Limited (NSIL), launched a satellite aboard a SpaceX rocket. Additionally, this is the first time ISRO has constructed a satellite that solely utilizes the cutting-edge Ka-band frequency, which spans radio frequencies from 27 to 40 gigahertz (GHz) and allows for a larger bandwidth. With the help of the GSAT-N2 satellite ISRO aims to achieve better internet connectivity throughout India.
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