SpaceX successfully launches Isro's communication satellite from US

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

The country's latest communication satellite, GSAT-N2 was successfully launched by billionaire Elon Musk-founded SpaceX from Cape Canaveral in the US, Isro's commercial arm NSIL has said. The communication satellite will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region, NSIL said. As the satellite was heavier than Isro's current launch capabilities, it had to opt for a foreign launch vehicle, top space scientists and former chiefs of the country's space agency said. Speaking to PTI, former Isro chairperson K Sivan said, "the satellite was a heavier one beyond the capability of Isro launch vehicles, that's why it has gone outside." The 4,700kg GSAT-N2 High-throughput (HTS) satellite onboard a Falcon 9 rocket was injected into the desired orbit.

"NSIL's GSAT-N2 High-throughput Communication satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, USA." "GSAT-N2 weighing 4700 kg has been injected into the desired GTO and Isro's Master Control Facility (MCF) has taken control of the satellite. Preliminary data indicates satellite in good health," NSIL said in a post on 'X.' The second Demand Driven satellite of NSIL, GSAT-N2 is a Ka-band High throughput communication satellite that will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region, NSIL said. GSAT-24 was NSIL's first demand driven satellite and launched from Kourou, French Guiana on June 23, 2022.