ISRO's NSIL: GSAT-20 Satellite Launch with SpaceX's Falcon-9
In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch the GSAT-20 communications satellite using SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket. This marks the first time ISRO will utilize a Falcon-9 rocket for a 4.7-tonne satellite launch, scheduled for the second quarter of this year, as announced by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The GSAT-20, to be renamed GSAT-N2, is designed to address the country's broadband, in-flight and maritime communications, and cellular backhaul services requirements. Equipped with Ka-Ka band high-throughput satellite (HTS) capacity and featuring 32 beams for pan-India coverage, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, the satellite is a significant step in meeting the growing communication demands.
NSIL revealed that a substantial portion of the HTS capacity on GSAT-20 has already been secured by Indian service providers, although the specific buyer was not disclosed. The decision to launch on Falcon-9 is due to the payload capacity of ISRO's GSLV-Mk3 being limited to 4,000 kg in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
The statement from NSIL highlighted that the GSAT-20 satellite will be launched through ISRO under a launch service contract between NSIL and SpaceX. This move signifies a departure from ISRO's previous reliance on French company Arianespace for launching heavier satellites.
Additionally, GSAT-20, weighing 4,700 kg, offers a high-throughput capacity of nearly 48 gbps, specifically tailored to address the communication needs of remote and unconnected regions. NSIL, in alignment with the space sector reforms announced in June 2020, has been mandated to build, launch, own, and operate satellites in a “demand-driven mode” to meet user service needs.
The successful mission of GSAT-24 in June 2022, fully funded and operated by NSIL, marked a significant step in this direction. Presently, NSIL owns and operates 11 communication satellites in orbit. The forthcoming GSAT-20 mission is poised to contribute significantly to India's communication infrastructure
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