Why India Partnered with SpaceX for GSAT-N2 Launch: Former ISRO Chiefs Share Insights

India collaborated with SpaceX, the space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, to launch its latest communication satellite, GSAT-N2. This decision was driven by the limitations of India's current launch vehicles, which are not equipped to handle payloads heavier than 4,000 kilograms, as explained by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the GSAT-N2 from a site in the United States. The satellite, weighing 4,700 kilograms, is a high-capacity communication satellite intended to enhance broadband services and improve in-flight connectivity across India, as noted by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial wing of ISRO.

Former ISRO Chairman K Sivan said, "The satellite (launched by SpaceX) was a heavier one beyond the capability of ISRO launch vehicles, that's why it has gone outside." He elaborated that the current capacity of ISRO's launch vehicles is limited to four tonnes, which falls short of the 4.7-tonne GSAT-N2. However, Sivan highlighted that work is underway to boost the capabilities of ISRO's launch systems.

This advanced communication satellite aims to extend broadband access to even the most remote regions of India. Another former ISRO leader, G Madhavan Nair, also pointed out that India currently lacks a launch vehicle capable of accommodating a satellite as heavy as GSAT-N2. He said, "ISRO has plans to double its next-generation vehicles' capacity, but we can't wait until then, so they opted for SpaceX."

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