20 Nov “India’s GSAT-N2 Satellite Set for Launch by SpaceX: A Major Milestone”
SYLLABUS MAPPING:
GS-3-Sci and technology-“India’s GSAT-N2 Satellite Set for Launch by SpaceX: A Major Milestone”
FOR PRELIMS:
What is the significance of the GSAT-N2 satellite launch in India’s space exploration efforts?
FOR MAINS:
Evaluate the role of international collaborations like the one between ISRO and SpaceX in advancing global space exploration. What are the benefits and challenges for India?
Why in the news?
SpaceX successfully launched ISRO’s latest communications satellite, GSAT-20, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using its Falcon 9 rocket. This marks the first significant commercial partnership between SpaceX and ISRO. The collaboration is estimated to cost between $60-70 million. Previously, India relied on French commercial launch service provider Arianespace for the launch of heavy satellites. In addition, SpaceX and ISRO have entered into another agreement to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) for $60 million.
What is Falcon 9?
Falcon 9 is a cutting-edge, reusable orbital rocket developed by SpaceX to transport payloads, such as satellites, cargo, and even astronauts, to various orbits around Earth. The rocket is designed to be cost-efficient and highly reliable, with the unique capability to return to Earth after launching and be reused for future missions. This innovation has fundamentally changed the economics of space travel.
Key Features and Specifications:
1. Height: 70 meters (229.6 feet)
2. Weight: 549,054 kg (1,207,920 lbs)
3. Payload Capacity:
To Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 22,800 kg (50,265 lbs)
To Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): 8,300 kg (18,300 lbs)
4. First Stage: The first stage of Falcon 9 houses 9 Merlin engines, which provide the necessary thrust to propel the rocket through the lower atmosphere. This stage is designed to be reusable, meaning it can land back on Earth for refurbishment and reuse in future launches.
5. Second Stage: The second stage uses a Merlin Vacuum engine optimized for operation in the vacuum of space. It carries the payload into its final orbit after the first stage has completed its job.
6. Launch Reusability: The Falcon 9 rocket is designed for reusability, which means that after launching, the first stage can return to Earth and land vertically, either on a landing platform at sea (autonomous spaceport drone ship) or on solid ground. This dramatically reduces launch costs.
7. Autonomous Operations: The rocket is equipped with advanced autonomous systems that enable the first stage to land back on Earth after completing its mission, without human intervention.
What is SpaceX?
SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) is an American private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. The company’s main goal is to reduce the cost of space travel and make it possible for humans to live on other planets, particularly Mars.
Key Features:
1. Reusable Rockets: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets are designed to be reused, drastically lowering launch costs.
2. Crew Dragon: A spacecraft developed for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, capable of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
3. Starship: A fully reusable spacecraft in development aimed at interplanetary missions, including Mars colonization.
4. Starlink: A satellite internet service aimed at providing global broadband coverage, especially to remote areas.
Achievements:
1. First Private Company to Reach Orbit: With the Falcon 1 in 2008.
2. First Private Company to Dock with the ISS: Using the Dragon capsule in 2012.
3. First Reusable Rocket: Successfully landing the Falcon 9’s first stage in 2015.
4. Crewed Mission to the ISS: In 2020, Crew Dragon launched astronauts to the ISS.
Why SpaceX?
The primary reason ISRO chose SpaceX for the delivery of the GSAT-20 satellite was the satellite’s significant weight of 4,700 kg, which exceeded the capacity of India’s indigenous rockets. ISRO’s heaviest launch vehicle, the LVM-3, is only capable of launching payloads up to 4,000 kg. Given the need for a heavy-lift rocket, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 became the ideal choice due to its ability to carry heavier payloads and its proven track record.
Several other factors also influenced the decision:
1. Unavailability of Arianespace: The French commercial launch provider, Arianespace, faced challenges with operational rockets, making them unable to provide an immediate solution for ISRO’s needs.
2. Geopolitical Constraints: The Ukraine conflict disrupted Russia’s space launch capabilities, leaving Russian rockets unavailable for international missions. Additionally, China remains off-limits due to political tensions, further limiting options for ISRO.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket technology significantly reduces the cost of space launches, offering a more affordable and reliable option compared to other providers.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone, not just for ISRO but also for NSIL (New Space India Limited), the commercial arm of ISRO. It signals the beginning of a new chapter in India’s space industry, showcasing India’s increasing collaboration with international space agencies and private companies. This partnership with SpaceX also reflects India’s growing presence in the global space arena, reinforcing its commitment to space exploration and technological advancement.
What is GSAT-20?
GSAT-20 is a communication satellite developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) to enhance the country’s communication infrastructure. It is also known as GSAT-N2 and weighs 4,700 kg, exceeding the weight capacity of India’s indigenous rockets, necessitating the use of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for its launch.
Key Features of GSAT-20:
1. Mission Life: GSAT-20 has a mission life of 14 years, ensuring long-term, reliable service for India’s communication needs.
2. High-Speed Data Transmission: Operating in the Ka-band, the satellite offers a capacity of 48 Gbps, which will significantly improve data transmission speeds, enhancing broadband services across the country.
3. Increased Coverage: The satellite is designed to provide high-speed internet and communication services across India, including remote and underserved regions, bridging the digital divide. It is especially crucial for improving internet connectivity in rural and remote areas.
4. Spot Beams for Regional Connectivity:
32 user beams: GSAT-20 is equipped with 32 user beams, offering highly focused coverage.
Northeast Region Coverage: Out of the 32 beams, 8 narrow spot beams are specifically dedicated to improving connectivity in the Northeast region, an area that often faces connectivity challenges due to geographical isolation.
Wide Spot Beams: The remaining 24 wide spot beams provide coverage across the rest of India, ensuring a vast area is served with high-speed communication and internet services.
5. Enhanced Broadband and In-Flight Connectivity: The satellite will not only enhance broadband services in India but also improve in-flight connectivity for passengers travelling within Indian airspace. This could be a key development in the Indian aviation sector.
6. Advanced Payloads: GSAT-20 carries advanced communication payloads designed to support the country’s evolving needs in digital communication, television broadcasting, telemedicine, e-education, and more.
Features:
1. Weight and Launch: Weigh 4,700 kg, requiring SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for launch, as it exceeds the capacity of ISRO’s indigenous rockets.
2. Mission Life: 14-year mission life for long-term, reliable communication services.
3. High-Speed Data: Operates in Ka-band with a 48 Gbps data capacity, enhancing broadband and communication.
4. User Beams:
32 user beams:
8 narrow spot beams for the Northeast region.
24 wide spot beams for the rest of India.
5. Enhanced Connectivity: Boosts broadband services and in-flight connectivity and supports telemedicine and e-education.
6. Remote Area Coverage: Improves internet access in remote and underserved regions of India.
7. Advanced Payloads: Equipped with advanced communication payloads for various services.
8. Strategic Importance: Strengthens India’s space communication infrastructure, supporting national security and development.
Instruments of GSAT-20:
1. Communication Payloads: High-Throughput Transponders: GSAT-20 carries high-throughput transponders operating in the C-band, Extended C-band, and Ka-band. These provide high-speed data and support advanced communication services.
2. User Beams:
The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams: 8 narrow spot beams focusing on the Northeast region of India.
24 wide spot beams covering the rest of the country, providing extensive communication services.
3. Digital Communication Payloads: GSAT-20 includes digital payloads that enhance the satellite’s ability to handle high-capacity data transmission, supporting broadband, telecommunication, and other digital services across India.
4. Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TTC) Systems: These systems enable real-time monitoring and control of the satellite during its mission, ensuring smooth operations and efficient management of its services.
5. Antennas: The satellite features advanced antenna systems designed to direct signals precisely and ensure broad, reliable coverage for both narrow and wide beams across the Indian region.
6. Onboard Propulsion: GSAT-20 is equipped with chemical propulsion systems for orbit raising, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal, ensuring the satellite’s longevity and stability in orbit.
Significance of GSAT-20:
1. Communication Payloads:
High-Throughput Transponders: GSAT-20 carries high-throughput transponders operating in the C-band, Extended C-band, and Ka-band. These provide high-speed data and support advanced communication services.
2. User Beams:
The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams:
8 narrow spot beams focusing on the Northeast region of India.
24 wide spot beams covering the rest of the country, providing extensive communication services.
3. Digital Communication Payloads:
GSAT-20 includes digital payloads that enhance the satellite’s ability to handle high-capacity data transmission, supporting broadband, telecommunication, and other digital services across India.
4. Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TTC) Systems:
These systems enable real-time monitoring and control of the satellite during its mission, ensuring smooth operations and efficient management of its services.
5. Antennas:
The satellite features advanced antenna systems designed to direct signals precisely and ensure broad, reliable coverage for both narrow and wide beams across the Indian region.
6. Onboard Propulsion:
GSAT-20 is equipped with chemical propulsion systems for orbit raising, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal, ensuring the satellite’s longevity and stability in orbit.
Conclusion:
The GSAT-20 satellite marks a major leap in India’s space and communication capabilities. Launched in collaboration with SpaceX, it enhances India’s broadband infrastructure, especially in remote regions, and supports key services like telemedicine, e-education, and in-flight connectivity. With 48 Gbps of data capacity and 32 user beams, including specialized coverage for the Northeast, it bridges the digital divide. The satellite’s 14-year mission life ensures long-term benefits, strengthening India’s position in global space exploration. This partnership with SpaceX signifies India’s growing role in the international space arena, driving both technological progress and national development.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (ENG) 20th Nov 2024
Prelims Question:
Q. Which of the following bands do GSAT-20 operate in to enhance communication services?
A. X-band and S-band
B. Ka-band and C-band
C. L-band and Ku-band
D. VHF and UHF
Answer: B
Mains Question:
Q. “Discuss the role of advanced space technologies, like the GSAT-20 satellite, in contributing to India’s socio-economic development, particularly in the fields of communication, education, and healthcare.”
(250 words, 15 marks)
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