The Falcon-9 rocket lifted off from the Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 12:01 a.m. Indian Standard Time, placing GSAT-N2 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite is a high-throughput communication satellite developed by New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial branch of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Boosting Broadband and In-Flight Connectivity
According to ISRO, GSAT-N2 is designed to enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region. It offers Ka-Ka band high-throughput satellite (HTS) capacity with 32 beams that provide extensive coverage across India, including the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
"This satellite, equipped with multiple spot beams and wideband Ka x Ka transponders, is set to accommodate a large number of users with smaller terminals, significantly increasing system throughput. Its multi-beam design facilitates frequency reuse, enabling more efficient service," said ISRO in a statement.
Satellite Specifications and Capabilities
Weighing 4,700 kg at lift-off, GSAT-N2 is expected to have a mission life of 14 years. It is equipped with 32 user beams, including eight narrow spot beams over India's northeastern region and 24 wider spot beams covering the rest of the country. The beams will be supported by hub stations located in mainland India, providing a total throughput of around 48 Gbps.
The payload includes three 2.5-meter deployable parabolic reflectors with multiple feeds, creating 32 distinct spot beams. The satellite's sensors—Sun Sensor, Earth Sensor, Inertial Reference Unit (IRU), and Star Sensor—will provide comprehensive data on satellite orientation and movement.
Demand-Driven Initiative by NSIL
GSAT-N2 is the second demand-driven satellite launched by NSIL. This initiative aligns with India’s space sector reforms announced in June 2020, wherein NSIL was given the mandate to develop and operate satellites based on user demand. The first such mission, GSAT-24, launched in June 2022, saw TataPlay securing full capacity on the satellite.
SpaceX Falcon-9’s Milestone Launch
The mission marks the 19th flight for the Falcon-9 first stage booster, which had previously supported a series of missions, including SES-22, ispace’s HAKUTO-R Mission 1, Amazonas-6, CRS-27, Bandwagon-1, and 13 Starlink missions.
The GSAT-N2 launch underlines the growing collaboration between India and private space companies, opening new avenues for enhanced communication services and technological advancements.
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