The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has contracted American aerospace company SpaceX to launch its next-generation heavy communications satellite GSAT-20, now renamed GSAT-N2. The deal highlights Indias lack of a domestic rocket with sufficient capacity to lift large satellites into orbit.GSAT-N2, weighing 4,700 kg, will provide high-throughput satellite capacity across India, including remote areas like Jammu & Kashmir and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The government-owned commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) is procuring the satellite from ISRO on behalf of an unnamed buyer who has leased the full capacity.ISRO Chairman S Somanath conceded no other rocket was available in time to meet the launch window. With the trusted European Space Agencys Ariane 5 now retired and its successor Ariane 6 facing delays, India had to turn to Americas SpaceX and its proven Falcon 9 heavy rocket. Scheduled to lift off from Florida on a dedicated Indian mission, it will be the first time ISRO has used SpaceX.Dr Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD of NSIL, stated this is their second satellite mission after GSAT-24, confirming the reform process is yielding results. He added that for a 21st century public company eyeing profitability, if commercials and readiness make sense we go for it.The high-throughput satellite will provide broadband internet access, competing with OneWeb, Starlink, and Reliance JioSpace, who may soon get licences under Indias new telecom law. GSAT-N2s 48Gbps capacity will specifically aid remote and unconnected regions, with 32 beams offering pan-India coverage.
