ISRO’s Strategic Shift: SpaceX to launch India’s GSAT-20 heavy communications satellite
credits:X
In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to break away from its traditional reliance on the France-led Arianespace consortium. For the first time, ISRO will collaborate with SpaceX to launch its next-generation heavy communications satellite, GSAT-20. The Falcon-9 heavy lift launcher from SpaceX will carry GSAT-20, marking a notable departure from India’s dependence on Arianespace for launching heavy satellites.
The deal, facilitated by ISRO’s commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL), underlines India’s quest for alternatives due to the absence of a domestic rocket with the capacity to lift substantial communication satellites. GSAT-20, weighing 4700 kg, is equipped with Ka-Ka band high throughput (HTS) capacity featuring 32 beams, providing Pan-India coverage, including remote regions like Andaman & Nicobar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Lakshadweep islands. The satellite boasts an HTS capacity of nearly 48 Gbps, addressing the demands of unconnected and remote areas.
NSIL’s Chairman, Dr. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, emphasized that the move aligns with the government’s reform process, bringing about positive outcomes. While Arianespace has been a longstanding partner, recent delays and changes in their rocket lineup prompted ISRO to explore new collaborations. The GSAT-20 satellite, now rebranded as GSAT-N2, is geared to offer broadband internet access to underserved regions, competing with emerging providers like OneWeb and Starlink.
India’s heaviest rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (Bahuballi), currently has a capacity of lifting 4000-kilogram satellites to the geostationary orbit. However, ISRO’s Chairman, S Somanath, stressed the urgency of developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), designed to handle up to 10,000 kilograms. The NGLV is under development at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center and is expected to enhance India’s launch capabilities to meet future needs while maintaining cost competitiveness.