Elon Musk-owned SpaceX successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) GSAT-N2 communication satellite, also referred to as GSAT-20, aboard its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on November 19, 2024. This milestone marks ISRO’s first commercial collaboration with SpaceX, signifying a new chapter in global space partnerships.
The GSAT-N2 satellite, weighing 4,700 kilograms, is designed to provide data and internet services to remote areas across the Indian subcontinent and enable seamless in-flight connectivity. With a mission lifespan of 14 years, GSAT-N2 features advanced technology to support high-throughput communication.
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Deployment of @NSIL_India GSAT-N2 confirmed pic.twitter.com/AHYjp9Zn6S
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 18, 2024
Filling the Gap in Indian Space Capabilities
ISRO’s Mark-3 launch vehicle can carry payloads up to 4,000 kilograms into a geostationary transfer orbit. However, the GSAT-N2’s weight exceeded this limit, necessitating SpaceX’s Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. Developed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, GSAT-N2 is the most advanced satellite of its kind, operating in the Ka-band and providing a throughput of 48 Gbps.
According to Dr. M. Sankaran, Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre, “This is India’s highest throughput satellite and the only one exclusively operating in the Ka-band.” The satellite’s payload includes 32 user beams—8 narrow spot beams covering the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams for the rest of India. These beams are supported by ground stations across the mainland, ensuring wide coverage.
Transforming In-Flight Internet in Indian Airspace
The GSAT-N2 satellite addresses a longstanding issue of in-flight Internet connectivity in Indian airspace. Until recently, flights entering Indian territory had to disable onboard Internet services due to regulatory restrictions. However, recent policy changes now permit Wi-Fi services at altitudes above 3,000 meters, enabling passengers to stay connected during their journeys.
“This homegrown satellite bridges a significant gap for in-flight Internet connectivity over India on the global map,” Dr. Sankaran added. The GSAT-N2’s capabilities are expected to greatly enhance communication infrastructure and bring India closer to global standards for in-flight and remote connectivity.
A Giant Leap for ISRO
The launch represents a leap forward in India’s technological capabilities, combining international collaboration with indigenous advancements. As GSAT-N2 becomes operational, it is set to transform digital connectivity, providing unprecedented Internet access to underserved regions and modernizing Indian aviation communication.
