ISRO's GSAT-N2 Communication Satellite Deployed by SpaceX

On November 18, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) GSAT-N2 communication satellite from Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This advanced satellite, designed to enhance broadband connectivity and support India’s Smart Cities Mission, was carried aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Marking the first commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX, the launch demonstrates India’s growing reliance on international partnerships to achieve its ambitious space and technological objectives.

Overview of GSAT-N2 Satellite Launch

Event: SpaceX successfully launched ISRO’s GSAT-N2 communication satellite on November 18, 2024.
Launch Site: Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Significance: Marks the first commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX.

Key Features of GSAT-N2 Satellite

Developed By: ISRO’s Satellite Centre and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
Primary Use: Enhancing broadband services and providing in-flight connectivity across India.
Data Transmission: High-throughput satellite with a capacity of 48 Gbps.

Beams

32 User Beams,

8 narrow spot beams for Northeast India.
24 wide spot beams for the rest of India.

Supported by hub stations in mainland India.

Payload: Equipped with Ka-Band HTS communication technology.
Lifespan: Expected operational period of 14 years.
Supports: India’s Smart Cities Mission and national communication infrastructure.

Reason for Choosing SpaceX

Payload Constraints

GSAT-N2 weighs 4,700 kg, exceeding the capacity of India’s LVM-3 (4,000 kg).
Traditional partner Arianespace lacks operational rockets for such heavy payloads.
Solution: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket offered a viable option for the mission.

Technical Highlights

Satellite Weight: 4,700 kg.
Capacity: Ka-Band HTS with 48 Gbps throughput.
Coverage: Nationwide, with specialized focus on the Northeast region.
Infrastructure: Ground support through hub stations in India.

Significance of GSAT-N2

Broadband Connectivity: Strengthens high-speed internet services nationwide.
In-Flight Connectivity: Supports communication for aviation.
Smart Cities Mission: Provides critical infrastructure for urban digital initiatives.
Communication Boost: Expands the GSAT satellite series’ role in India’s development.
Commercial Collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX
Historical Importance: First of many potential collaborations between the two entities.

Advantages

Access to advanced launch technologies.
Cost-effective solutions for heavy payload launches.

Quotes from Key Figures

Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD, New Space India Limited,

Confirmed GSAT-N2’s precise placement in orbit.
Highlighted SpaceX’s role in overcoming launch challenges.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	SpaceX successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) GSAT-N2 communication satellite
Launch Site	Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Launch Vehicle	SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Significance	First commercial collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX.
GSAT-N2 Satellite: Key Features	Developed By – ISRO’s Satellite Centre and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. Primary Use – Enhancing broadband services and providing in-flight connectivity across India. Data Transmission – High-throughput satellite with 48 Gbps capacity. Beams – 32 User Beams: 8 narrow spot beams (Northeast India), 24 wide spot beams (Rest of India). Payload – Equipped with Ka-Band HTS communication technology. Lifespan – 14 years. Support – India’s Smart Cities Mission and national communication infrastructure.
Significance of GSAT-N2	Broadband Connectivity In-Flight Connectivity Smart Cities Mission Communication Boost