After Successful SpaceX Launch ISRO Takes Control Of GSAT 20 Satellite

ISRO has successfully launched its most sophisticated communications satellite GSAT 20 on board SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

The GSAT 20 is set to play a very critical role in enhancing India's broadband capabilities.

The Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan, Karnataka, took command of GSAT 20 early in the morning on Wednesday.

ISRO officials said the satellite is in good health and its systems are functional and the MCF team will conduct manouvres to guide the satellite to its final geostationary orbit.

Speaking during its launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath said, "it was a very successful launch, the satellite is healthy and solar panels have been deployed. The satellite will provide broadband services in remote areas and in-flight Internet in passenger aircraft. It will remain in operation for 14 years."  

He further added that this was the first time that ISRO has launched a satellite on a SpaceX rocket through its commercial arm New Space India Limited.

Why Was SpaceX Chosen For The Launch?

The GSAT 20 weighs 4,700 kgs and is one of India's heaviest communication satellites. It is, in fact, "too heavy for India's own rocket LVM-3, popularly known as 'Bahubali' to carry, so SpaceX was chosen for the launch," ISRO said in an official statement.

Until very recently, India had relied on French launch service provider Arianespace for such heavy satellite launches but the company does not have any operational rockets at the moment and the only other reliable option for India was SpaceX.

SpaceX's heavy-lifter Falcon-9 rocket can launch payloads of 8,300 kgs or approximately 8, tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit.