SpaceX Falcon 9 Set to Launch India’s GSAT-N2 Communications Satellite
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the NSIL GSAT-N2 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two-hour launch window opens at 1:31 p.m. ET, with a 95% chance of favourable weather, according to the 45th Weather Squadron. The only potential concern is the cumulus cloud rule.
If weather or technical issues delay the liftoff, a backup window is available on Tuesday at 4:33 a.m. ET.
The Falcon 9 and First-Stage Booster
This mission will utilise Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, B1073, which has successfully completed 18 previous missions. Among its achievements are:
- ispace’s HAKUTO-R and NASA’s Lunar Flashlight
- SES-22 telecommunications satellite
- Amazonas Nexus
- CRS-27
- Bandwagon-1
- 13 Starlink satellite missions
After stage separation, the booster is set to land on the SpaceX droneship, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Mission Overview
The GSAT-N2 is a communications satellite developed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector company under India’s Department of Space. The satellite is designed to enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region.
Equipped with multiple spot beams and Ka x Ka band transponders, GSAT-N2 can serve a large subscriber base using small user terminals. Its advanced multi-beam architecture facilitates frequency reuse, enabling greater system throughput.
According to NSIL, the satellite is expected to provide services for up to 14 years, contributing significantly to India’s communication infrastructure.
Catch the launch of @NSIL_India‘s GSAT-N2 onboard @SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 live at 2345hrs ISThttps://t.co/bSvetcXVtC https://t.co/DPerW9wXXZ
— NSIL (@NSIL_India) November 18, 2024
Click here to watch the launch live.