Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50am on 16 Nov 2024,Saturday Science
SpaceX will launch India’s GSAT-20 communications satellite next week, marking a groundbreaking collaboration with ISRO. The 4,700-kg satellite is too heavy for India’s rockets, prompting the choice of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, USA. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, NSIL Chairman, stated, “We got a good deal on this maiden launch with SpaceX.” Previously reliant on Arianespace, ISRO faced limited options due to global geopolitical constraints. The GSAT-20 will enhance internet connectivity, particularly in remote Indian regions. Estimated at $60-70 million, this deal underscores SpaceX’s global space leadership while fostering ties for future ventures, including sending an Indian astronaut to the ISS.
