New Delhi
Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has signed a big deal with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Both are going to launch GSAT-20 communication satellite together. SpaceX’s Falcom 9 rocket may be launched next week. This is the first time that ISRO and SpaceX are doing such a launch in mutual collaboration. Let us tell you that this deal is also special because Donald Trump is a special friend of Elon Musk. He has recently been elected President of America. Only after this this deal also got its final shape.
The GSAT-20 satellite weighs 4700 kg and is very difficult for Indian rockets to carry. In such a situation, SpaceX is being used for this launch. This launch will take place from America’s Cape Canaveral. This satellite will continue to work for the next 14 years.
Earlier, ISRO used to take help of French commercial launch company for launching service. It was needed for launching heavy satellites. However, the company no longer has any operational rocket. Russia is not able to launch amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In such a situation, SpaceX is also taking advantage. This satellite will provide service throughout India. Satellite will be available for internet in remote areas.
ISRO Chairman Radhakrishnan Durairaj said, the approximate cost of this launch is 60 to 70 million dollars. Let us tell you that there is a competition going on between India and SpaceX in terms of launching at low cost. At the same time, Elon Musk also wants that the use of his SpaceX Starlink satellite service in India should also be approved. Currently, it is not allowed in India due to security reasons. India has also signed a deal with SpaceX to send astronauts to the ISS.
Deal before presidential elections
The vision and timing of the space launch is perfect. However, coincidentally this deal was before the US election results. Therefore, critics of Washington DC or New Delhi cannot raise the issue of ‘crony capitalism’. This is the first of many commercial engagements of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) with SpaceX. While some people say that ISRO and SpaceX are competitors for low-cost launches.
Although no one doubts that SpaceX is far ahead in the global commercial space market. It is known to all that Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a very good relationship. Both the leaders call each other ‘their friend’.
Why is it being launched from America?
GSAT-N2 will be launched from Cape Canaveral, America. This 4,700 kg satellite manufactured by ISRO was too heavy for Indian rockets. Therefore it was sent for foreign commercial launch. India’s own rocket ‘Baahubali’ or launch vehicle Mark-III could carry a maximum mass of 4,000-4,100 kg to geostationary transfer orbit. The life of this mission is 14 years.
India was till now dependent on Arianespace to launch its heavy satellites. However, it currently does not have any operational rockets. The only credible option India had was to go with SpaceX. Chinese rockets are unsuitable for India. At the same time, due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russia is not able to offer its rocket for commercial launching.
What is ISRO saying?
Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and MD of New Space India Limited, ISRO’s Bengaluru-based commercial branch, said while talking to a TV channel that we got a good deal with SpaceX on this first launch. He said that the cost of launching this special satellite… the technical compatibility and the commercial deal… I would say that it was a good deal for us to launch such a heavy satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
