GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20)

Source: This post on GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) has been created based on the article “SpaceX’s Falcon-9 deploys Indian satellite into orbit” published in The Hindu on 19th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, SpaceX Falcon-9 Launches India’s GSAT-N2 Satellite at Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Falcon-9 rocket launched GSAT-N2 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. It is the first-ever collaboration between SpaceX and India.

About GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20)

1. Operator: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) (a commercial arm of ISRO).

2. Mission Objective: It enhances broadband and in-flight connectivity across India, including remote regions like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

3. It is part of India’s space sector reforms initiated in June 2020.

4. Predecessor: GSAT-24 (June 2022), entirely secured by Tata Play.

5. Mission Life: 14 years.

Key Features of GSAT-N2

1. Payload Capacity: Ka-band High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) with advanced communication capabilities. The liftoff Mass is 4,700 kg.

2. Communication Payload: It operates in Ka-band with throughput of approximately 48 Gbps. It is equipped with 32 user beams: It has 8 Narrow Spot Beams covering the northeast region and it also has 24 Wide Spot Beams covering the rest of India.

iii) It features multi-beam architecture for frequency reuse, boosting system throughput. Hub stations located within mainland India.

3 . Reflectors and Sensors: Three parabolic 2.5-metre deployable reflectors with single-feed-per-beam technology. Sun Sensor, Earth Sensor, Inertial Reference Unit (IRU), and Star Sensor for precise attitude data.

Impact of GSAT-N2

1. Broadband Connectivity: Pan-India coverage, improving internet access and in-flight connectivity.

2. Technology Leap: Multi-beam design and frequency reuse enhance service efficiency.

3. Strategic Importance:  Strengthens India’s presence in global satellite communications and space technology.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology