India's Most Advanced Satellite Launched From US Is Elon Musk's 'Trump' Card
The GSAT-N2 will be launched from Cape Canaveral in the US. Created by ISRO, this 4,700 kg satellite was too large for Indian rockets to transport. As a result, SpaceX, the company owned by a close associate of US President-elect Donald Trump, became the primary beneficiary of a significant multi-million dollar agreement signed by India's space agency. Next week, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch India's newest communications satellite GSAT-20, also known as GSAT N-2, into orbit. This marks the beginning of several business collaborations between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX. While some argue that ISRO and SpaceX are rivals in the realm of affordable space launches, it is widely acknowledged in the international commercial space sector that SpaceX holds a significant lead.
Both Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a strong relationship, often referring to each other as "my friend". The entrepreneur Elon Musk is friends with both of them, mentioning he is "a fan of Modi". The optics and timing of the space launch are ideal. However, the agreements were made before the American election results, so critics of Washington DC or New Delhi cannot claim "crony capitalism."
The GSAT-N2 will be launched from Cape Canaveral in the US. Created by ISRO, this 4,700 kg satellite was too heavy for Indian rockets to launch, resulting in the need for a foreign commercial launch. India's very own rocket, 'The Bahubali' or the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, could have lifted a maximum of approximately 4,000-4,100 kg into a geostationary transfer orbit. India had previously relied on Arianespace to launch its heavy satellites. However, Arianespace does not currently have any operational rockets. SpaceX is currently the most reliable option for India to consider. Chinese rockets are not an option for India, and Russia cannot provide its rockets for commercial launches because of the conflict in Ukraine.
"We secured a favorable agreement for this inaugural launch with SpaceX," Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of New Space India Ltd (NSIL), the Bengaluru-based commercial arm of ISRO, informed NDTV. "The cost for launching this specific satellite... the technological compatibility and business agreements... He stated that it was a beneficial arrangement for us to launch a large satellite on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. ISRO created GSAT-N2, weighing 4,700 kg at lift-off, with a mission life of 14 years. This is a completely commercial launch led by NSIL. The satellite has 32 user beams.
This includes eight narrow spot beams for the northeast region and 24 wide spot beams for the rest of India. These 32 beams will receive support from hub stations situated on the mainland of India. It will also assist in providing internet access on flights. Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will head the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as announced by Donald Trump on Wednesday, reported by news agency ANI.
Elon Musk, who admires PM Modi, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of India during a meeting with the Prime Minister on June 21, 2023, stating, "I'm incredibly excited about the future of India." India shows more potential than any other major country globally. He (PM Modi) genuinely cares about India as he is encouraging us to make substantial investments in the country. I support Modi. It was an amazing meeting and I really admire him."
This one commercial launch of the Falcon 9 rocket to carry India's communications satellite is expected to cost $60-70 million.
Recently, the CEO of Tesla has been urging India to give SpaceX permission to offer satellite-based Internet services in India through its Starlink Constellation. Elon Musk expressed excitement about introducing Starlink to India in June 2023. However, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated this week that Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has not yet met security requirements.
A license for satellite communications services in India will only be granted once all necessary criteria are fulfilled. The satellite communication services major is currently finalizing all the necessary requirements. The minister stated that once they finish the process, the company will receive a license.
