SpaceX's Falcon 9 Set To Launch India's Most Advanced Communication Satellite GSAT-N2 Early Next Week—What You Need To Know

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX has reportedly secured a major deal with India’s space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to launch the GSAT-20 communications satellite.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will take India's most advanced communications satellite GSAT-20, also called GSAT N2 into orbit early next week.

This marks the first of many commercial collaborations between ISRO and SpaceX.

The GSAT-N2 satellite is a Ka-band high throughput communication satellite, which has a mission life of 14 years.

At liftoff GSAT-N2 has a mass of 4,700 kg.

The satellite is likely to be launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday (18 November) 1.31 pm local time.

The GSAT-20 satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is too heavy for India’s own rockets to carry, so SpaceX was chosen for the launch, according to an NDTV report.

ISRO previously depended on French commercial launch service provider Arianespace for launching heavy satellites. However, Arianespace currently lacks operational rockets.

Additionally, Russia is not a viable option due to the Ukraine conflict. This made SpaceX the most suitable choice for India.

The latest GSAT satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, comprising eight narrow spot beams over the northeast region and 24 wide spot beams over the rest of India.

These 32 beams will be supported by hub stations located within mainland India. It will also help enable in-flight Internet connectivity.

The single dedicated commercial launch of the Falcon 9 rocket to lift India's communications satellite is reportedly estimate to cost $60-70 million.

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