Current Context: Recently SpaceX’s Falcon-9 deployed India’s GSAT-N2 satellite into orbit.

About GSAT-N2 (Geostationary Satellite-20)

• GSAT-N2 (also called GSAT-20) is a communication satellite launched to improve broadband and in-flight connectivity across India.
• Developer: Managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.

Launch Details:

• Rocket Used: SpaceX’s Falcon-9.
• Launch Site: Cape Canaveral.
• Significance of Rocket: Falcon-9 was chosen as India’s LVM-3 rocket cannot carry payloads beyond 4,000 kg.

Features:

• Weight: Approximately 4,700 kg.
• Orbit: Placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
• Mission Life: Designed to function for up to 14 years.
• Technology: High throughput Ka-band communication for better data handling.

Coverage: Provides pan-India coverage, including remote regions like the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.​