Spacex’s Falcon 9 launches GSAT-20: milestone in ISRO’s space strategy

New Delhi, 19 Nov 2024

On Tuesday, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched India’s heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-20, into orbit. The mission, conducted from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marked an important collaboration between India’s space agency, ISRO, and Elon Musk’s SpaceX, setting a new benchmark in India’s satellite launch strategy.

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The GSAT-20, weighing 4,700 kilograms, is equipped with cutting-edge Ka-band high-throughput technology aimed at transforming communication services across India. From providing high-speed internet in remote regions to supporting in-flight connectivity, the satellite is poised to bridge the digital divide and strengthen the nation’s telecommunication infrastructure.

Successfully into the orbit https://t.co/LPdyzNBAZM

— NSIL (@NSIL_India) November 18, 2024

This launch marks the first time ISRO has partnered with SpaceX for a satellite mission, shifting away from its traditional reliance on European space agency Arianespace. The change was prompted by Arianespace’s lack of operational rockets for such heavy payloads and geopolitical tensions limiting access to Russian and Chinese launch services.

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With ISRO’s own LVM-3 rocket capable of carrying only up to 4,000 kilograms to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), the 4,700-kilogram GSAT-20 exceeded its capacity, making SpaceX’s Falcon 9 a crucial choice.

New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, facilitated this collaboration by signing it’s first-ever deal with SpaceX in January 2023. The partnership underscores India’s adaptability in addressing its growing demand for advanced satellites.

The GSAT-20, designed for a mission lifespan of 14 years, will play a major role in India’s communication ecosystem. The satellite’s high-throughput technology will enhance internet access in underserved areas, boost ground-based telecom networks, and enable seamless in-flight connectivity for passengers within Indian airspace.

The launch highlights a strategic shift for ISRO, which has so far launched over 430 foreign satellites. By collaborating with global leaders like SpaceX, India is expanding its capabilities while ensuring its ambitious satellite programs can meet future demands.