Elon Musk’s SpaceX to slingshot India’s GSAT-20 into orbit with this historic collaboration

ISRO's commercial arm launches India's satellite on SpaceX rocket in a first-ever partnership

In a historic development, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial subsidiary of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has revealed a groundbreaking collaboration with SpaceX, led by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The partnership aims to launch the communication satellite GSAT-20, signifying a major advancement in India’s space exploration and satellite deployment efforts.

Set for launch in the second quarter of 2024, the GSAT-20 mission seeks to cater to India’s communication requirements, especially in distant and underserved areas. With a weight of 4,700 kg, GSAT-20 exceeds ISRO’s existing maximum spacecraft launching capacity of 4,000 kg, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing broadband communication throughout the nation.

India’s space ambitions face both opportunities and challenges. While private players explore cheaper options like SpaceX rockets, ISRO remains committed to developing its own capabilities. Their focus lies on perfecting the crucial semi-cryogenic engine needed for launching payloads exceeding four tons. This year, a pivotal test looms: firing a LOX-Kerosene powered semi-cryogenic engine to propel future rockets.

However, a hurdle emerged in July 2023. The first test of an intermediate engine version at IPRC saw an unexpected spike in turbine pressure followed by a speed drop, forcing the test’s early termination. Despite this setback, ISRO is analyzing the data, determined to overcome obstacles and propel India’s space program forward.

About GSAT-20

India’s GSAT-N2 (formerly GSAT-20), a high-tech Ka-band satellite, promises a brighter future for the nation’s internet connectivity. This powerful spacecraft aims to address the surging demand for high-speed broadband, enabling faster downloads, streaming, and communication. Its Ka-band capacity, spread across 32 beams, blankets the entire country, reaching even remote regions like Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, bridging the digital divide. With GSAT-N2 poised to take flight, India’s connectivity landscape is set for a significant boost.

About SpaceX’s Falcon-9 Rocket

India’s high-tech communications satellite, GSAT-N2, will hitch a ride to space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket. This workhorse of the launch world, renowned for its reliability and safety, boasts a unique claim to fame: it’s the first reusable rocket of its kind. By reusing key components, Falcon-9 has helped slash the cost of sending payloads into Earth’s orbit and beyond, making space more accessible than ever.