November 18, 2024, 12:50:22 PM IST (Published) 2 Min Read Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly secured a major deal with India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to launch the GSAT-20 communications satellite. This launch will mark the first of many commercial collaborations between ISRO and SpaceX. The satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is too heavy for India's rockets to carry, making SpaceX the best option for the launch. The GSAT-20, also called GSAT N-2, is scheduled to launch on November 19 from Cape Canaveral in the US by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It is expected to remain in operation for 14 years. It will provide vital services across India that include internet connectivity for remote areas. This is also the first time ISRO has developed a satellite that only uses the advanced Ka-band frequency, which has a range of radio frequencies between 27 and 40 gigahertz (GHz) and allows the satellite to have a higher bandwidth. This launch is a significant milestone because ISRO previously relied on French commercial launch service provider Arianespace for heavy satellite launches. However, with Arianespace currently lacking operational rockets, SpaceX became the go-to choice for India. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of New Space India Ltd (NSIL), the Bengaluru-based commercial arm of ISRO, expressed satisfaction with the deal. "We got a good deal on this maiden launch with SpaceX,” Durairaj said. As per ISRO, the GSAT-N2 is set to enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity in India. While talking to NDTV, Dr M Sankaran, Director of UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, said, "GSAT-20 is India's highest throughput satellite.". "India's need for satellite-based data services is regional in nature and the most cost-effective solution of using big satellites is being adopted," Sankaran added. This satellite launch is estimated to cost between $60-70 million, with experts assessing that NSIL paid nearly ₹500 crore for this launch. This partnership is seen as a significant step forward for both ISRO and SpaceX, with the latter being considered the leader in the global space industry for low-cost satellite launches.