New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) advanced communication satellite, GSAT-20 (GSAT N2), was successfully launched on Tuesday at 12:01 AM IST. The satellite was carried into orbit by Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. After a 34-minute journey, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit.
Weighing 4,700 kilograms, GSAT-20 exceeds the maximum payload capacity of ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle, LVM-3. Consequently, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 was utilized for the mission. The satellite will provide high-speed internet services, especially to remote and underserved areas across the country. It is expected to enhance connectivity in regions like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Additionally, it will enable in-flight internet services for airlines.
This marks ISRO’s first satellite launch through SpaceX via its commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
