Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Science & Technology
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology
Issue: SpaceX Launching GSAT.
Context: Â Utilising the services of SpaceX for the first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will deploy its heavy communication satellite GSAT-20 through the Falcon-9 rocket of the private space.
Synopsis:
Why SpaceX?
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will use SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket to deploy GSAT-20, a heavy communication satellite, addressing the satellite’s weight challenge
- The collaboration with SpaceX, facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), aims to enhance high-speed internet services across India, including rural areas and islands. SpaceX chosen due to availability and cost competitiveness.
- GSAT-20, weighing 4,700 kg, surpasses ISRO’s rocket capacity, making Falcon-9’s 8,300 kg capability crucial.
- NSIL’s strategic launch agreement with SpaceX signals India’s reliance on private partnerships for satellite launches.
Background:
| ·         GSAT-20:·         4,700-kilo communication satellite by ISRO’s NSIL.
·         Planned launch on Falcon 9 in Q2 2024. ·         Aims to meet India’s broadband needs, offering 48Gbps capacity. ·         Facilitates connectivity in remote regions, including islands. ·         Falcon 9: ·         SpaceX’s reusable, two-stage rocket. ·         World’s first orbital-class reusable rocket. ·         Payload capacity: 22,800 kg to Low-Earth Orbit, 8,300 kg to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. ·         Reusability drives down space access costs. |
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