Q-commerce hurting kiranas: Delhivery CEO Air India Express expands services in West Bengal, increases weekly flights by 37% this winter Instagram might allow AI-generated profile picture; Know what it means for you Vande Metro Train completes first trial run from Ahmedabad to Mumbai at 130 km/hr speed – All you need to know A Strategic Move with Strong Political Ties The timing and optics of this launch also coincide with a period of strong political ties between the US and India. US President-elect Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a close personal rapport, and SpaceX’s founder, Elon Musk, is well-regarded by both leaders. Musk has previously expressed his admiration for Modi, stating that he is a fan of the Indian Prime Minister. The shared political connections raise questions about the commercial ties, but the deals were made well in advance of the American elections, and critics have refrained from accusing either government of crony capitalism. The GSAT-20: A Cutting-Edge Communications Satellite The GSAT-20 satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is designed for a mission life of 14 years. It is equipped with 32 user beams, including eight narrow spot beams over northeastern India and 24 wide spot beams covering the rest of the country. This satellite will significantly enhance communication capabilities across India, facilitating services such as broadband internet, direct-to-home (DTH) television, and secure communications. Notably, the GSAT-20 will also enable in-flight internet connectivity. SpaceX’s Growing Influence in India’s Space Program SpaceX’s influence on India’s space programme is not limited to this satellite launch. The company is also involved in facilitating human space missions, with another deal to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon system. This deal with Axiom Space, a Houston-based company, is expected to cost around $60 million. Elon Musk has also expressed interest in bringing his satellite-based internet service, Starlink, to India. In June 2023, Musk told PM Modi that he was excited about the potential of India and the promise it holds for SpaceX’s future. Musk’s push for Starlink to operate in India has faced some regulatory hurdles, with the Telecom Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, stating that the service is still in the process of meeting India’s security requirements before it can be licensed. Looking Ahead: SpaceX’s Growing Partnership with India The successful launch of the GSAT-20 satellite and other commercial deals could pave the way for more collaborations between ISRO and SpaceX. SpaceX’s affordable and reliable rockets make it a strong contender in the global space market, and India’s space ambitions are likely to benefit from this partnership in the coming years. While the US-based company might face some competition, it remains the leader in low-cost launches, positioning itself as a crucial partner for ISRO’s future space missions. The deal also reflects the broader trend of increasing cooperation between the US and India, both in commercial and diplomatic spaces. As India strengthens its presence in global space exploration, SpaceX is expected to play an essential role in launching satellites and supporting ambitious missions, making this collaboration a milestone for both nations. A New Chapter for India’s Space Exploration The partnership between ISRO and SpaceX marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s space exploration. With successful satellite launches and potential human spaceflight collaborations, both countries are set to benefit from this growing relationship. As India continues to pursue ambitious space missions, SpaceX’s role in launching satellites and providing technical support will be crucial, bringing the nation closer to achieving its space goals. (With agency inputs)