New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another significant milestone by launching the GSAT-N2 (also referred to as GSAT-20) communication satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This marks ISRO’s first commercial collaboration with SpaceX, chosen because GSAT-N2’s weight of 4,700 kilograms exceeded the 4,000-kilogram capacity of ISRO’s Mark-3 launch vehicle.
The GSAT-N2 satellite, developed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, operates exclusively in the Ka-band frequency and boasts a high throughput of approximately 48 Gbps. With a mission life of 14 years, the satellite features 32 user beams, including 8 narrow beams for the Northeast and 24 wide beams covering the rest of India. These beams will be supported by ground hub stations located across mainland India.
The primary aim of GSAT-N2 is to extend high-speed data and Internet connectivity to remote regions and enable uninterrupted in-flight Internet services over Indian airspace. Dr. M. Sankaran, Director of UR Rao Satellite Centre, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This satellite fills a crucial gap in global Internet coverage by providing connectivity over India.”
The initiative coincides with India’s recent regulatory amendment permitting Wi-Fi services aboard aircraft flying above 3,000 meters altitude. This development ensures that international flights will no longer have to switch off Internet services when entering Indian airspace.
This launch underscores India’s commitment to advancing connectivity solutions, promising transformative changes for aviation and underserved regions across the country.
