Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has collaborated with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch the Indian GSAT-20 communications satellite. The launch will take place using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and is scheduled for the next week. The deal marks the first-ever collaboration between ISRO and SpaceX and is estimated to cost between $60-70 million.
According to reports, the reason why SpaceX has been chosen for the launch is because the satellite to be carried, weighing 4,700 kg, is too heavy for India’s own rockets. Cape Canaveral in the US has been chosen as the launch site. The satellite is supposed to remain in operation for 14 years and will provide vital services across India, including internet connectivity for remote areas.
Previously, India relied on French commercial launch service provider Arianespace for its heavy satellite launches. This time, however, the company does not have any operational rockets at present. In addition to launching GSAT-20, SpaceX and India have inked another agreement to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) for $60 million. Furthermore, Musk is lobbying for approval of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in India, which must first meet Indian security standards.
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