GSAT-N2 launch: Historic partnership of ISRO and SpaceX
What is GSAT-N2?
ISRO and SpaceX partnership: Successful launch of GSAT-N2 satellite GSAT-N2 is a satellite designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with the aim of improving high-speed broadband services in the country. It weighs 4700 kg and is expected to have an active life of 14 years. This satellite will be especially beneficial for improving connectivity in areas where traditional networks do not have access.
Why launching by SpaceX?
The weight of GSAT-N2 was more than the capacity of India’s most powerful rocket LVM-3. LVM-3 can put a satellite weighing a maximum of 4000 kg into orbit. Because of this, ISRO used the launch services of American company SpaceX for the first time. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully placed the satellite in Earth’s Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Launch and success details
The Falcon 9 rocket launched GSAT-N2 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 30 minutes after the flight, New Space India Limited (NSIL) confirmed that the satellite successfully reached orbit and ISRO’s Master Control Facility took over its control.
SpaceX’s contribution
SpaceX also released a video of the launch, which shows this historic collaboration. This is the first time ISRO has used SpaceX’s facilities. Earlier India was dependent on European Space Agency Arianespace to launch heavy satellites.
Future direction
GSAT-N2 will play a key role in enhancing digital connectivity in the country and empowering the Digital India mission. This launch opens new doors of collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX and underlines India’s growing participation in the global space launch industry.
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