India to launch its first satellite on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket Gsat_20/falcon9 I ndia 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 tot...