Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches ISRO’s 4,700 kg GSAT-20 satellite into space

In a first, Elon Musk and ISRO team up for a 4,700 kg powerhouse in space

In a historic milestone for India’s space program, SpaceX successfully launched the GSAT-N2 satellite for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aboard its Falcon 9 rocket on Tuesday. The launch, which took place from the Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marks the first-ever collaboration between SpaceX and ISRO and is expected to significantly enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across India.

The GSAT-N2 satellite, designed to bolster internet access in underserved regions, was deployed into Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) about 30 minutes after liftoff. The announcement was made by ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Following deployment, ISRO’s Master Control Facility assumed operational control of the satellite.

This launch also underscores the growing partnership between SpaceX and ISRO, with GSAT-N2 being the third launch carried out by SpaceX in 24 hours—a testament to the company’s increasingly rapid launch capabilities.

Weighing in at 4,700 kilograms, GSAT-N2 is designed for a mission life of 14 years and is equipped with advanced payloads to improve broadband coverage across India. The satellite carries 32 user beams, which include eight spot beams focused on the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams covering the rest of the country. These spot beams will significantly improve broadband efficiency and provide more robust, high-speed internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas of India where connectivity has historically been limited.

ISRO officials say that the GSAT-N2 will help meet the growing demand for digital services and ensure smoother, more reliable communication, both on the ground and in-flight. The satellite is expected to play a key role in expanding India’s digital infrastructure and supporting future innovations in telecommunications.

The successful deployment of GSAT-N2 highlights the expanding global footprint of ISRO’s satellite program and its increasing collaboration with international space agencies, such as SpaceX, as the demand for global broadband services continues to rise.

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