On November 19, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched the GSAT-N2 communication satellite, developed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 12:01 am IST. This marked the first collaboration between SpaceX and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Details of the Launch
The GSAT-N2 satellite is part of an agreement between ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL, and SpaceX. Following the launch, approximately 30 minutes later, NSIL confirmed that the satellite had successfully entered a Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Control of the satellite was subsequently handed over to ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF).
- Launch Time: November 19, 12:01 am IST
- Launch Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
- Satellite Weight: 4,700 kg
Mission in Line with Space Sector Reforms
The launch of the GSAT-N2 satellite aligns with the Indian government’s 2020 space sector reforms, which focus on expanding satellite development based on service demand. NSIL, as part of this reform, is tasked with developing and launching satellites in response to national requirements.
About the GSAT-N2 Satellite
The GSAT-N2 satellite is a Ka-band high throughput communication satellite, continuing ISRO’s GSAT series. It is designed to meet the country’s broadband needs, with a particular emphasis on providing connectivity to traditionally underserved regions. The satellite is equipped with a multi-beam structure to improve system throughput.
- Ka-band High Throughput Satellite: Serves broadband, In-flight, and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC).
- User Beams: 32 user beams with 8 spot beams over Northeast India and 24 wide spot beams across the rest of the country.
- Purpose: Enhance connectivity in regions with traditionally limited access to services.
Launch Vehicle and Collaboration with SpaceX
Due to the satellite’s weight (4,700 kg), ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle, the LVM-3, was not capable of carrying it into orbit, as it can only carry up to 4,000 kg. Historically, ISRO has turned to European partners like Arianespace for heavier payloads. However, due to the absence of rockets capable of deploying such a heavy payload, ISRO turned to SpaceX for this mission.
NSIL’s Post-Launch Statement
After the successful launch, NSIL took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the successful injection of the GSAT-N2 into the desired Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), and confirmed that preliminary data indicated the satellite was in good health.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When did SpaceX successfully launch the GSAT-N2 satellite?
- A) November 18, 2024
- B) November 19, 2024
- C) November 20, 2024
- D) November 21, 2024
- What is the weight of the GSAT-N2 satellite?
- A) 3,500 kg
- B) 4,700 kg
- C) 5,200 kg
- D) 6,000 kg
- Which launch vehicle did SpaceX use for the GSAT-N2 mission?
- A) Falcon 8
- B) Falcon 9
- C) Falcon Heavy
- D) Space Shuttle
- What is the main purpose of the GSAT-N2 satellite?
- A) Military surveillance
- B) Broadband and In-flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC)
- C) Weather forecasting
- D) Space research
- Why did ISRO choose SpaceX for the GSAT-N2 mission?
- A) Because of a lack of rockets in India capable of carrying 4,700 kg satellites
- B) Due to an ongoing collaboration with SpaceX
- C) Because SpaceX offered the best price
- D) SpaceX is located closer to India