SpaceX to launch 4,700 kg Indian satellite: Why Isro has to rely on Elon Musk

The satellite is designed to enhance India's communication infrastructure, featuring a Ka-band high-throughput communications payload with a mission lifespan of 14 years.

In Short

• The satellite, once operational, will provide vital services across the country
• This launch signifies the first commercial collaboration between Isro and SpaceX
• Isro and SpaceX are also indirectly working on sending an Indian astronaut to space

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to launch India's GSAT-20 communications satellite, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the American aerospace company.

The launch is scheduled for November 19, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

The satellite is designed to enhance India's communication infrastructure, featuring a Ka-band high-throughput communications payload with a mission lifespan of 14 years.

This satellite, also referred to as GSAT-N2, weighs 4,700 kg and is too heavy for ISRO's own rockets to carry, necessitating this partnership with SpaceX.

Isro's heaviest launch vehicle, the LVM-3 is capable of launching 4000 kg spacecraft in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. However, the current demand exceeds that, forcing the Indian space agency to look outside of its ambit.

The satellite, once operational, will provide vital services across the country, including internet connectivity for remote areas and in-flight internet services—an area that has recently seen regulatory changes allowing such connectivity in Indian airspace.

The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, including eight narrow spot beams and 24 wide spot beams, which will be supported by hub stations located throughout India.

This launch signifies the first commercial collaboration between Isro and SpaceX, following a history of reliance on European launch services for heavy satellites. With Arianespace currently lacking operational rockets and geopolitical tensions limiting options from Russia and China, SpaceX emerged as the most viable choice for India.

As both organisations navigate the evolving landscape of space exploration, this launch not only strengthens commercial ties but also enhances India's capabilities in satellite technology and communication services.

Isro and SpaceX are also indirectly working on sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is training with Axiom Space to go to the flying laboratory in 2025. While SpaceX is not directly involved, the spacecraft being used by Axiom Space to ferry the astronaut to and from ISS is SpaceX's Dragon.