According to sources indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its new communication satellite using the Falcon 9 rocket of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX in the USA. The satellite has been named GSAT-N2 and is also known as GSAT-20, which will provide in-flight internet services in India. However, the government has recently amended the rules to permit in-flight internet services over India. Under the new regulations, airlines can offer Wi-Fi-based internet services once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 meters.
Perhaps the government has also clarified that passengers will be allowed to use internet services through Wi-Fi only when the use of electronic devices is approved onboard, even after the aircraft has reached the specified altitude. India’s own Launch Vehicle Mark-3 can lift a maximum of nearly 4,000 kg into a geostationary transfer orbit, however, GSAT-N2 weighs 4,700 kg which is too heavy to be launched by India’s own rockets, forcing isro to explore the option of using SpaceX’s heavy launch vehicle. It is a commercial operation under ISRO’s commercial arm New Space india Limited (NSIL). This will be ISRO’s first commercial launch using SpaceX.
Moreover India’s own Launch Vehicle Mark-3 can lift a maximum of nearly 4,000 kg into a geostationary transfer orbit, however, GSAT-N2 weighs 4,700 kg which is too heavy to be launched by India’s own rockets, forcing isro to explore the option of using SpaceX’s heavy launch vehicle. The GSAT-N2 satellite, with a lift-off mass of 4,700 kg and a mission lifespan of 14 years, is a key component of India’s advanced communication infrastructure. It features 32 user beams, including 8 narrow spot beams dedicated to the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams covering the rest of India. These beams are supported by hub stations located within mainland India.
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