SpaceX’s Falcon-9 to Launch India’s GSAT-20

January 4, 2024

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Context: For the first time, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2), a communication satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket.

NSIL to launch GSAT-20 satellite on SpaceX Falcon 9

GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2) will be the second “demand-driven” satellite launch enabled by NSIL.
In June 2022, NSIL launched the 1st Demand-driven satellite mission, in the form of GSAT-24 whose entire capacity was bought by Tata Play, a Direct-To-Home broadcaster.

About Demand-Driven Satellite Mode

It means when the satellite is launched, one will know who the end customers are going to be and what’s the kind of utilization and commitment so that one can have very effective utilization of this satellite capacity once it goes into orbit.

About GSAT-20 (Renamed as GSAT-N2):

A High-throughput Satellite: It is a high throughput Ka-band satellite, which delivers high-speed broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission.
Funded by: NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)
Specifications: It offers HTS capacity of nearly 48 gbps.

High-throughput Satellite (HTS): It is a communication satellite that provides more throughput than conventional Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) for the same amount of allocated orbital spectrum, thus significantly reducing cost-per-bit. Ka-band: It refers to a range of frequencies from 27 GHz to 40 GHz. The main use of Ka-band is communication with satellites

Aim: To meet the broadband communication needs of the country.
Significance:
- Provide high data transmission capability over the entire country.
- Support In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and cellular backhaul services across India.
- Meet the requirements of remote and previously unconnected regions, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.

About Falcon-9 Rocket

A Reusable Rocket: It is the world’s first orbital class reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond.
- It can carry over 8,300 kg (double that weight) to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Significance: Reusability allows SpaceX to re-fly the most expensive parts of the rocket, which in a result lowers the cost of space access.