Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX collaborated to launch GSAT-N2 (also known as GSAT-20), ISRO’S communication satellite. The satellite was carried aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone as India’s first collaboration with the SpaceX.
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 12.01 am (Indian Standard time) on November 19, 2024 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It placed GSAT-N2, developed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket was selected for its ability to carry heavier payloads and its established reliability in space missions.
GSAT-N2 is an advanced communication satellite jointly developed by ISRO’s Satellite Centre and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. It has a data transmission capacity of 48 Gbps and is meant to improve broadband services and enable in-flight connectivity across India.
Continuing the legacy of the GSAT series, the satellite will provide critical communication infrastructure for India’s Smart Cities Mission. It is designed to operate for 14 years and features 32 user beams: eight narrow spot beams to serve the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams for the rest of the country. These beams are supported by hub stations located within mainland India.
The satellite also incorporates a Kurz-above band (Ka-Band) high-throughput communication payload, significantly enhancing data transmission capabilities. Meanwhile, ISRO highlighted the satellite’s potential to improve nationwide communication networks.
