Musk's SpaceX to Launch ISRO's GSAT-20 Satellite Next Week

New Delhi: In a big move, Elon Musk-owned Space X recently secured a big deal with India's Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to launch the GSAT-20 communications satellite.

The launch is all set to take place early next week using Space X's Falcon 9 rocket.

This makes it the first of many ISRO and Space X collaborations and also a maiden deal with US President Donald Trump's 'Buddy' Elon Musk.

What is GSAT-20 Satellite?

GSAT-20 or GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) is a 4700 kg Ka-band high-throughput communication satellite used to enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity (IFC) across the Indian region.

This satellite features multiple spot beams and wideband Ka x Ka transponders, which aim to support a large subscriber base with small user terminals, and significantly boost the system throughout its multi-beam architecture.

It has a mission life of 14 years and is equipped with 32 user beams, comprises of 8 narrow spot beams over the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams over the rest of India.

Why ISRO Chose Space X?

The Indian space agency has previously relied on French commercial launch service provider Arianespace for such heavy satellite launches.

However, the company currently does not have any operational rockets at present and with no current options from Russia due to the Ukraine conflict, and China amid off-limits, SpaceX seemed the best available option for India.