Successful Launch of India’s GSAT-N2 Satellite by SpaceX’s Falcon-9

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space tech

Why in News

India’s communication satellite, GSAT-N2, was successfully launched into orbit by SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket, marking a significant collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX.

Key Points:

Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket.
Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA.
Launch Time: 12:01 a.m. Indian Standard Time.

GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Satellite:

Type: High Throughput Communication Satellite.
Operating Band: Ka-band.
Weight: 4,700 kg at lift-off.
Mission Life: 14 years.
Developer: New Space India Ltd., the commercial arm of ISRO.
Objective: To enhance broadband services, boost in-flight connectivity, and provide high-speed communication across India using advanced Ka-band technology.
Multi-beam Architecture: Equipped with multiple spot beams and Ka x Ka transponders, which enable:
- Frequency reuse for increased system capacity.
- Support for a large subscriber base using compact user terminals.
- Enhanced overall system throughput.

The satellite will significantly improve broadband connectivity, reaching underserved and remote areas.

Aims to offer better internet services on aircraft flying over the Indian region.
This mission marks India’s first venture with SpaceX, opening possibilities for future international partnerships in space technology and exploration.
The satellite was placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit, a crucial step before moving it to its final geostationary position.
GSAT-N2’s advanced Ka-band technology facilitates high-speed data transfer, essential for modern communication needs.

Ka-Band Communication:

The Ka-band is a part of the microwave segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, operating at frequencies between 5 GHz and 40 GHz.
It is widely used in satellite communication for a variety of applications, including broadband services, military uses, and remote sensing.
The Ka-band offers a broader bandwidth compared to lower-frequency bands like C-band and Ku-band. This wider bandwidth enables high data transfer rates, allowing for faster communication, which is ideal for applications requiring large volumes of data, such as video conferencing and satellite internet
Due to the shorter wavelengths in the Ka-band, it supports smaller antennas and ground equipment. This makes it easier to deploy in compact or mobile systems while reducing infrastructure costs
The Ka-band’s high frequency is suitable for modern communication technologies like phased-array antennas and multi-beam satellites, enhancing the capacity and flexibility of satellite networks. It supports various advanced applications, including telecommunication networks, wireless systems, and direct-to-home (DTH) TV services

About Falcon 9:

Falcon 9 is a partially reusable rocket developed and operated by SpaceX, designed to carry both cargo and crew to a variety of orbits, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), as well as interplanetary destinations like Mars.
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket. The first stage is equipped with nine Merlin 1D engines, while the second stage has a single Merlin Vacuum engine optimized for space.
It uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and RP-1 (refined kerosene) as propellants.
The first stage is designed to be reusable, capable of returning to Earth and landing vertically for refurbishment and reuse. This feature significantly reduces launch costs.
The Falcon 9 can carry a payload of up to 22,800 kg to LEO and 8,300 kg to GTO. For missions to Mars, its capacity is around 4,020 kg.
Its height is 70 meters with a diameter of 3.66 meters and a total mass of about 549,000 kg.