NewDelhi: A boost for the Indian space programme is the commercial satellite launch involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Elon Musk owned SpaceX. It is the first time that ISRO has teamed up with the American aerospace and defence technology company. Their partnership to meet the schedule of November 19, 2024, is to put into orbit the Indian GSAT-20 communication satellite using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral.
GSAT-20, or GSAT-N2, is an indigenous high-capacity communication satellite planned to boost up the communication capability of India. It measures a rather heavy 4,700 kg, the kind of mass that the LVM-3, ISRO’s most potent rocket, cannot carry, hence the partnership with SpaceX. The diverse characteristics include a 14-year mission timeline and incorporating K-band high-throughput communication payloads, which will revolutionalize communication prospects greatly.
It is quite strategic that the choice of rocket for the mission is SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. \par The rocket carries a novel first stage reusable technology and is cheaper than the conventional rocket technology which expels the first stage at launch. Further, due to its having a steep payload capability – significantly heavier satellites – Falcon 9 was the right rocket for lifting off the large GSAT-20. Electronic systems such as those allowing the space craft to accommodate and launch into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) were also considered by ISRO.
This partnership is a new path for ISRO to send satellites, as it used Arianespace for lifting heavier payloads earlier. This strategic partnership was initiated at the time when Arianespace has a very limited number of operational rockets, and the geopolitical tensions with Russia and China have made spacex timely and appropriate partner. This merger will help in the enhancement of the satellite industry in India and also help in upgrades to the communication services in the country which include usage for internet connectivity in the rural areas and in-flight internet services. To enhance widen coverage the GSAT-20 will incorporate 32 user beams – a mix of contour and broad beams.
This cooperation does not stop here in this immediate release. Although not a direct partnership with SpaceX, ISRO is in fact indirectly partnering on a future mission that will reserve a seat for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla in the ISS in 2025. This mission will use SpaceX rocket, and therefore it will emphasise the cooperation between NASA and SpaceX. The overall implication of such relationship is one that will see; ISRO continue growing and contributing to the growth of the foster space exploration market.