Elon Musk’s SpaceX Powers ISRO’s GSAT-20 Launch
KAZI ABUL MONSUR#
Elon Musk’s SpaceX played a vital role in the successful launch of ISRO’s GSAT-20 satellite. SpaceX provided its Falcon 9 rocket, a highly reliable and efficient launcher, to carry the satellite into geostationary orbit. The mission was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at SpaceX’s facility, which operates under the U.S. Space Force.
This collaboration happened because GSAT-20, weighing 4,700 kg, is a heavy satellite, and Falcon 9’s proven capacity for handling such payloads made it the ideal choice. ISRO and SpaceX worked together for the first time on this mission, showcasing SpaceX’s ability to support global space agencies in their advanced projects.
Elon Musk’s vision for affordable and accessible space services is evident in this partnership. By providing Falcon 9’s advanced technology, including reusability and precision orbit placement, SpaceX helped position GSAT-20 to enhance broadband connectivity in rural India and provide internet services for in-flight passengers. This mission highlights Musk’s commitment to fostering international space collaborations.
ISRO’s advanced satellite ‘GSAT-20’ has been successfully launched into space from U.S. soil. According to Indian Standard Time, the launch took place at midnight on Monday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, via Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX. The satellite was carried into space using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, completing its journey in 34 minutes. Weighing 4,700 kilograms, GSAT-20 is a fully commercial satellite designed to provide broadband internet services to remote villages and in-flight internet access to airline passengers.
Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman of New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, monitored the process from Cape Canaveral. He confirmed that the launch was successful and the satellite has been positioned in its designated orbit.
GSAT-20, developed by ISRO, will enhance the country’s internet infrastructure and provide services for the next 14 years. Earlier this year, ISRO’s commercial wing announced its collaboration with SpaceX for this project. While ISRO has independently launched various satellites before, GSAT-20’s significant weight necessitated SpaceX’s assistance. This marks the first joint launch between ISRO and SpaceX.
The satellite was launched from Space Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, a facility under the U.S. Space Force. SpaceX currently operates from this site. During the launch, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath monitored the process from the UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. He stated that GSAT-20 will remain operational for 14 years and that all necessary infrastructure has been set up within India for its functioning.
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