The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to make a significant leap in satellite technology by launching a 4.7-tonne communications satellite using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. This launch, scheduled for the second quarter of this year, marks a pivotal collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX, as announced by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The satellite, known as GSAT-20, is engineered to enhance India's broadband capabilities, support in-flight and maritime communications, and improve cellular backhaul services. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster connectivity across the nation, including remote areas such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Advanced Satellite Technology
Renamed GSAT-N2, the satellite is equipped with Ka-Ka band high throughput satellite (HTS) technology, featuring 32 beams that ensure comprehensive coverage across India. This advanced technology is crucial for meeting the growing demand for high-speed internet and reliable communication services in underserved regions.
NSIL has already secured a significant portion of the satellite's HTS capacity with Indian service providers, although the specific buyers remain undisclosed. This pre-launch commitment underscores the high demand and strategic importance of the GSAT-20 satellite.
Choosing Falcon 9 for the Mission
ISRO's decision to utilize SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket stems from its impressive payload capacity. While ISRO's GSLV-Mk3 rocket can carry up to 4,000 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), the Falcon 9 can handle up to 8,300 kg, making it an ideal choice for this mission.
The collaboration between NSIL and SpaceX is formalized through a launch service contract, highlighting the growing trend of international partnerships in space exploration and satellite deployment.
Transition from Arianespace to SpaceX
Historically, ISRO has partnered with the French company Arianespace for launching heavier satellites. However, with the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), capable of carrying up to 10,000 kg into GTO, ISRO is gradually shifting towards more versatile and cost-effective solutions like SpaceX's Falcon 9.
The GSAT-20 satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, offers an impressive HTS capacity of nearly 48 Gbps. This capacity is specifically designed to meet the high-demand service needs of remote and unconnected regions, ensuring that even the most isolated areas have access to modern communication technologies.
Impact of Space Sector Reforms
The launch of GSAT-20 is a direct result of the space sector reforms announced by the Indian government in June 2020. These reforms empowered NSIL to build, launch, own, and operate satellites in a "demand-driven mode," aligning satellite capabilities with user service needs.
NSIL's first successful demand-driven satellite mission, GSAT-24, was launched in June 2022, with its capacity fully secured by TataPlay. This mission was entirely funded by NSIL, demonstrating the organization's capability to independently manage and execute satellite projects.
Currently, NSIL owns and operates 11 communication satellites in orbit, reflecting its growing role in India's space endeavors. The upcoming launch of GSAT-20 is expected to further solidify NSIL's position as a key player in the global satellite industry.