ISRO's GSAT-20 satellite is launched by SpaceX as a landmark India-US space collaboration project

SpaceX has successfully launched ISRO's GSAT-20 satellite into orbit, marking a major landmark in the growing collaboration between ISRO and the US-based space agency. The satellite, which weighs 4,700 kg, was launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral on November 19, 2024. This launch is notable not only for its technological achievement but also for being the first commercial partnership between SpaceX and ISRO, paving the way for more joint projects in the future.

The GSAT-20 satellite, previously known as the GSAT N-2, is a communication satellite that will provide enhanced broadband services and in-flight connectivity within India. The satellite will serve for about 14 years, providing important services, such as high-speed internet, to the remote areas of the country. The advanced Ka-band frequency, operating between 27 and 40 GHz, permits a higher bandwidth capacity for better communication services. This is the first instance of ISRO developing a satellite that uses entirely this frequency range.

One of the prime reasons for choosing SpaceX for this launch was that its payload weighed 4,700 kg, which went beyond the capacity of the rockets of the ISRO. In that respect, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was found to be ideal in sending the satellite into orbit. This launch is part of the increasing commercial partnerships between space agencies and private space companies.

The estimated cost for the launch of the GSAT-20 is said to be between $60 million and $70 million, while ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), has reportedly been charging around ₹500 crore for the mission. Such collaboration is symptomatic of how private companies, such as SpaceX, are increasingly filling a role in support of national space programs globally.

With the successful launch of GSAT-20, this collaboration between SpaceX and ISRO is likely to expand in the coming years, providing new ground for launching satellites as well as other communication infrastructure projects.

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