India to launch its first satellite on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket

Gsat_20/falcon9

India is set to launch its first satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in a historic mission that marks a new era of collaboration between the two space-faring nations. The satellite, named GSAT-20, is a high-throughput communication satellite that will provide broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission across the Indian region.

GSAT-20 is a joint project of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL). The satellite is funded, owned and operated by NSIL, which has signed a contract with SpaceX for the launch. The launch is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2024 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

GSAT-20 is a continuation of the GSAT series of communication satellites that ISRO has been developing since 2001. The satellite features a Ka-band payload with 70 Gbps throughput, utilizing 40 beams that offer a total capacity of nearly 48 Gbps. Each beam will have two polarizations, effectively making them 80 beams. The satellite will cover the entire Indian mainland and islands, as well as some neighboring countries.

GSAT-20 will be the first ISRO-made satellite to use electric propulsion for orbit raising and station keeping. Electric propulsion is a technology that uses electric power to accelerate ions, which in turn provide thrust. Electric propulsion is more efficient and cost-effective than conventional chemical propulsion, as it requires less fuel and reduces the mass of the satellite. GSAT-20 will be the first fully electric propulsion-enabled satellite in the world.

The satellite will also be the first Indian satellite to be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which is a reusable launch vehicle that can land back on Earth after delivering its payload to orbit. SpaceX is a private American aerospace company founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla and Neuralink. SpaceX has become a global leader in the commercial space industry, offering low-cost and reliable launch services to various customers, including NASA, the US military, and private companies.

The launch of GSAT-20 on a Falcon 9 rocket is a significant milestone for both India and SpaceX, as it represents a new level of cooperation and trust between the two entities. India has traditionally relied on the European consortium Arianespace for launching its heavy satellites, especially on the now-retired Ariane 5 rocket. However, with the delay in the development and availability of the successor Ariane 6 rocket, India has turned to SpaceX as an alternative option. SpaceX has also demonstrated its capability and flexibility by accommodating India's launch request on a short notice.

The launch of GSAT-20 will also boost India's communication infrastructure and support its ambitious Smart Cities Mission, which aims to transform urban areas into sustainable and livable spaces. GSAT-20 will enable high-speed broadband internet access, digital video and audio broadcasting, tele-education, tele-medicine, e-governance, and disaster management services to millions of Indians. The satellite will also enhance India's strategic and defense capabilities, as it will provide secure and encrypted communication links to various agencies and forces.

The launch of GSAT-20 is a testament to India's growing prowess and confidence in the space domain, as well as its willingness to collaborate with other players in the global space arena. The mission also showcases SpaceX's innovation and leadership in the commercial space sector, as well as its vision to make space more accessible and affordable to everyone. The launch of GSAT-20 is a historic event that will usher in a new era of space cooperation and exploration for both India and SpaceX.