ISRO's Historic Move: Utilizing SpaceX Falcon-9 for GSAT-20 Satellite Launch

Elon Musk's Falcon 9 rocket has been chosen by ISRO to launch its communications satellite GSAT-20.

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), a public sector undertaking of the Department of Space, has recently signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch GSAT-20 from its launch pad on the US west coast in the second quarter of this year.

ISRO to use SpaceX Falcon-9 Rocket

In a significant development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of its communication satellite GSAT-20, which weighs 4,700kg (4.7 tonne). While ISRO continues its efforts to develop a rocket capable of carrying payloads exceeding four tons, the launch of GSAT-20 will be made possible through a collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX, utilizing their Falcon-9 rocket. This partnership, scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, signifies a significant milestone in the field of space exploration.

This collaboration has been made possible due to India's lack of rockets capable of carrying such heavy satellites into space. ISRO's current flagship rocket, the LVM3, has a maximum payloads carrying capacity of 4000kg (4 tonne) in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). That's why ISRO had to seek launch services from international providers. The Falcon-9 has the capability to transport payloads weighing up to 8.3 tonnes to GTO.

About GSAT-20 Communication Satellite:

• The GSAT-20 satellite serves as a testament to India's technological advancements and aims to provide cost-effective Ka-Ka band high throughput satellite (HTS) services. These services primarily target for broadband, in-flight and maritime communications, as well as cellular backhaul services.

• The NSIL stated that a significant portion of the satellite's capacity has already been reserved by Indian service providers, although the buyer has not been disclosed.

• With a high throughput capacity of approximately 48 gbps, the GSAT-20 satellite has been specifically designed to cater to the service requirements of remote and uncovered areas such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

• Under the new name GSAT-N2, the satellite will possess Ka-Ka band high throughput satellite capacity with 32 beams providing coverage across India.

About NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)

• The NSIL-SpaceX agreement was established half a year following the joint efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden to enhance Indo-US space collaboration. This collaboration led to New Delhi becoming a partner in the Artemis program for space exploration and enabling an increase in ISRO's capabilities.

• This initiative is part of the space sector reforms introduced by the government in June 2020. As per these reforms, NSIL has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing, launching, owning, and operating satellites in a "demand-driven mode" to cater to the service requirements of users.

• This signifies a shift in India's conventional practice of relying on Arianespace's rockets, provided by the French company, to launch its large satellites into space from the European spaceport located in Kourou, French Guyana.

• NSIL successfully completed its first demand-driven satellite mission, GSAT-24, in June last year, with TataPlay securing the entire capacity. Currently, NSIL manages a fleet of 11 communication satellites in orbit.

Why to choose SpaceX and Falcon-9?

• ISRO is currently dedicated to the development of its semi-cryogenic engine, which is essential for launching rockets carrying payloads exceeding four tons. It may take a few years for ISRO to develop the Next Generation Launch Vehicle capable of placing a ten-ton payload in GTO.

• Despite a few private satellite companies in India choosing SpaceX's rockets due to their lower costs compared to ISRO, the Indian space agency remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing its capabilities.

• In an eagerly awaited milestone, ISRO plans to conduct a test of its semi-cryogenic engine this year, utilizing a propellant combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene to enhance the booster stages of future rockets.

• However, ISRO encountered a setback in July 2023 during the initial hot test of an intermediate configuration of the semi-cryogenic engine. This test took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu and experienced an unexpected surge in turbine pressure, followed by a loss of turbine speed, ultimately leading to the termination of the test.

• Due to these reasons and in a strategic move to enhance cost efficiency, India has shifted from relying on Arianespace's Ariane rockets for satellite launches over four tons to partnering with SpaceX.