India Partners With SpaceX For GSAT-20 Launch, Aimed At Boosting Broadband Across Nation

New Delhi: Marking a pivotal step in its space journey, India is set to launch the high-powered GSAT-20 satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket. This collaboration between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, and the U.S. aerospace giant signifies a surge in global space partnerships and highlights the transformative potential of this mission.

Designed to enhance broadband connectivity and support In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and cellular backhaul services across India, GSAT-20 boasts an impressive High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity of nearly 48Gbps. Featuring 32 beams, it provides extensive coverage over the entire Indian subcontinent, including the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

With a weight of 4700 kg, GSAT-20 is developed by ISRO’s expertise and will be launched through a collaboration between NSIL and SpaceX, utilizing a Falcon-9 rocket. This collaboration underscores the growing global partnerships in the space industry and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in advancing space technology.

The mission holds significance as it addresses the challenging service requirements of remote and previously unconnected regions, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth. Strong demand from Indian service providers, with a bulk of the high-capacity bandwidth already pre-booked, indicates the potential transformative impact on connectivity in the region.