Wed Nov 20 19:14:58 UTC 2024: ## India Launches GSAT-20 Satellite via SpaceX Falcon 9
**Ahmedabad, India** – India successfully launched its communication satellite, GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2), into orbit on Monday. The 4700 kg satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral, USA, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking another milestone in India’s space program. The countdown began at 11:00 AM local time, culminating in a midnight launch.
The use of SpaceX’s services has raised questions, given India’s own space agency, ISRO. However, ISRO’s most powerful rocket, the LVM-3 (Bahubali), has a payload capacity of only 4000-4100 kg, insufficient for GSAT-20. Furthermore, ISRO’s usual collaborator, Arianespace (France), currently lacks operational rockets, and Russian rockets are impractical due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This necessitated the engagement of SpaceX.
The launch cost approximately $70 million (₹591 crore). GSAT-20, with a lifespan of 14 years, will significantly improve internet connectivity, particularly for aircraft and remote areas including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. This commercial launch was undertaken by NSIL (NewSpace India Limited). The satellite is expected to provide high-speed internet services to telecom consumers across the country.
First Piper 