SpaceX launches the ISRO GSAT-20 satellite in a first-ever mission

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) GSAT-20, an advanced communications satellite, on November 19. The mission took place at 12:01 a.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The satellite, which weighed 4,700 kg, was placed into geosynchronous orbit after a 34-minute flight. This was the first launch of an ISRO satellite by the Elon Musk-led company, carried out through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.

Satellite details and objectives

The GSAT-20 satellite, also known as GSAT-N2, is designed to improve India’s communications infrastructure. Equipped with a high-throughput Ka-band communications payload, the satellite offers a capacity of 48 Gbps. The 32 user bundles include eight narrow bundles covering the northeastern region of India and 24 wide bundles covering the rest of the country. The beams are supported by ground hub stations in mainland India.

The satellite too functions advanced Ka-Ka band transponders, which enable reliable internet services in remote areas such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. It will address onboard and maritime communications needs, ensuring broader connectivity across the country. The satellite has a mission life of 14 years.

SpaceX’s choice for launch

ISRO’s dependence on SpaceX for the GSAT-20 launch was driven by specific logistical challenges. The weight of the satellite exceeds the capacity of India’s heaviest launch vehicle, the LVM-3, which can carry payloads up to 4,000 kg in geosynchronous orbit. Alternatives such as Arianespace were not available due to the non-operational status of the missiles. Geopolitical issues ruled out Russian options.

The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage booster completed its 19th flight, landing on the Just Read the Instructions droneship about eight and a half minutes after launch.

Launch costs and historical significance

Reports estimate the cost of the launch to be between $60 million and $70 million. This mission marked ISRO’s first satellite launch using the Ka-band frequency exclusively. The launch was part of a busy schedule for SpaceX, which also completed two other missions within 48 hours, including the deployment of Starlink satellites and a satellite for Australia’s Optus.