ISRO to Launch GSAT-N2 Satellite on SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket
New Delhi | November 16, 2024
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its communication satellite, GSAT-N2, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking its first commercial collaboration with Elon Musk’s aerospace company.
The GSAT-N2 satellite, weighing 4,700 kilograms, is designed to enhance Internet and data connectivity across remote regions of India and provide in-flight Internet services over the Indian region.
Key Highlights of GSAT-N2
- Mission Life: 14 years
- Weight: 4,700 kg
- Technology: Ka-band high-throughput satellite
- Data Throughput: Approximately 48 Gbps
- Coverage:
- 32 user beams, including 8 narrow spot beams over Northeast India
- 24 wide spot beams covering the rest of India
- Supported by hub stations in mainland India
Dr. M. Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre, emphasized the satellite’s significance: “This homegrown satellite will bridge the gap in in-flight Internet connectivity over India and operate exclusively in the high-demand Ka-band.”
Why Falcon 9?
While ISRO’s GSLV Mark-3 can place up to 4,000 kg in geostationary transfer orbit, the GSAT-N2’s weight of 4,700 kg necessitated the use of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
Improving Connectivity in Indian Airspace
The GSAT-N2 satellite addresses a long-standing challenge—lack of in-flight Internet services in Indian airspace. Until recently, international flights entering India had to switch off Internet services due to regulatory restrictions.
With recent amendments, India now permits in-flight Wi-Fi services at altitudes above 3,000 meters, paving the way for GSAT-N2 to enable seamless Internet access for passengers flying over Indian airspace.
This high-throughput satellite, developed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, represents a significant step forward in India’s space and communication capabilities.
