Elon Musk’s SpaceX is set to launch India’s GSAT-20 communications satellite, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the American aerospace company.

Launch is scheduled for November 19, 2024 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

The satellite is designed to enhance India’s communications infrastructure, with a high-speed Ka-band communications payload with a mission life of 14 years.

This satellite, also called GSAT-N2, weighs 4,700 kg and is too heavy to be carried by ISRO’s own rockets, necessitating this partnership with SpaceX.

Isro’s heaviest launch vehicle, the LVM-3 is capable of launching a 4,000 kg spacecraft into the geosynchronous transfer orbit. However, current demand exceeds this figure, forcing the Indian space agency out of its scope.

The satellite, once operational, will provide vital services across the country, including internet connectivity for remote areas and in-flight internet services, an area which has recently seen regulatory changes allowing such connectivity in Indian airspace .

The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, including eight narrow beams and 24 wide beams, which will be supported by central stations located across India.

This launch marks the first commercial collaboration between Isro and SpaceX, after a long dependence on European launch services for heavy satellites. With Arianespace currently lacking operational rockets and geopolitical tensions limiting Russia and China’s options, SpaceX has emerged as the most viable choice for India.

As both organizations navigate the changing landscape of space exploration, this launch not only strengthens commercial ties but also enhances India’s capabilities in satellite technology and communications services.

Isro and SpaceX also work indirectly on sending an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is training with Axiom Space to travel to the flying laboratory in 2025. Although SpaceX is not directly involved, the spacecraft used by Axiom Space to transport the The astronaut to and from the ISS is SpaceX’s Dragon.