In a historic collaboration, India’s newest communication satellite, GSAT-N2, was successfully launched by SpaceX from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The satellite, developed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), was carried aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking a groundbreaking partnership between India and the global space giant. NSIL is ISRO’s commercial wing.
This launch represents India’s first commercial collaboration with SpaceX, signifying a pivotal step in India’s space ambitions and strengthening the global space tech partnership.
The Falcon 9 rocket took off at 12:01 AM IST on November 19, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. It delivered GSAT-N2 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit with remarkable precision.
Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, ISRO’s commercial wing, expressed satisfaction with the launch’s success, confirming that the satellite was placed exactly in its intended orbit.
Weighing approximately 4,700 kg, GSAT-N2 is classified as a High Throughput Satellite (HTS).
NSIL shared the successful update on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “NSIL’s GSAT-N2 (HTS) communication satellite has been successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, USA, on 19 November 2024. GSAT-N2 weighs 4700 kg and has been delivered to the targeted orbit. ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) has also taken control of the satellite, and initial reports confirm that it is in good condition.”
The GSAT-N2 satellite is expected to be a game-changer for communication technology across India. It will provide high-speed broadband service, supporting improved internet access even in remote areas, while also facilitating in-flight connectivity. This enhancement will enable passengers on domestic and international flights within Indian airspace to access the internet, bridging a key connectivity gap.
With a planned operational lifespan of 14 years, GSAT-N2 is equipped to support India’s expanding digital infrastructure needs. Its advanced capabilities align with the country’s goals to enhance communication services and extend high-speed internet connectivity to rural and underserved regions.
The GSAT-N2 launch marks the beginning of what is expected to be a fruitful series of collaborations between ISRO and SpaceX.
The GSAT-N2 satellite continues the legacy of India’s GSAT series, which has long supported the nation’s communication and broadcasting needs. This new addition is designed with 32 user beams, of which eight narrow beams will specifically serve the Northeast region, while 24 wider beams will cover other parts of the country. These beams will ensure that high-speed connectivity is available across India, bolstering the communication backbone for the Smart Cities Mission.
India’s collaboration with SpaceX represents a new era of international cooperation in the space industry. As global space endeavors increasingly involve joint projects and resource-sharing, partnerships like this one open up new opportunities for innovation, cost-efficiency, and technology access.
