India’s most advanced communication satellite GSAt-N2was launched by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral in the US and successfully placed into desired orbit.
The satellite will provide broadband services in remote areas, reports the Daily Sun.
Indian Space Research Organization’s commercial arm NSIL said the 4,700 kg GSAT-N2 High-throughput satellite has been injected into the desired orbit.
"GSAT-N2 weighing 4700 kg has been injected into the desired Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) has taken control of the satellite. Preliminary data indicates the satellite is in good health," it said.
This was the first time Elon Musk-owned SpaceX launched a payload for India. While India has its own domestic launch capability with its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), it is limited to launching a payload of 4,000 kg.
The 4,700kg satellite with 48Gbps data transmission capacity, will also provide in-flight connectivity in planes.
The satellite, which is expected to be operational for 14 years, will also continue the GSAT series of communication satellites and add data transmission capacity to the communication infrastructure required for India's Smart Cities Mission.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
