NewSpace India makes SpaceX order
January 4, 2024
By Chris Forrester
NewSpace India, the commercial arm of India’s Space & Satellite Research Organisation, has ordered a launch from SpaceX despite India having its own rocket launch capability.
NewSpace India says the satellite (a Ka-band high throughput craft) is needed to meet the broadband communication needs of the nation.
The launch will take place in Q2 2024. The satellite, GSAT-20 N2, will carry 32 beams and cover the whole of India.
The first GSAT-20 (N1) was launched in June 2022. The extra satellite will handle 48 Gb/s capacity and is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for service from remote and unconnected regions of the country.