Often referred to as “Bahubali” or “Fat Boy,” Isro’s heavy lifter LVM-3 is capable of launching satellites up to four tonnes into the geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Isro is requesting assistance from SpaceX to launch its satellite using its heavy-lifter Falcon-9 rocket, which can deliver payloads of 8.3 tonnes or 8300 kg to GTO, because Gsat-20 weighs more than four tonnes.
For the launch of its bigger satellites, Isro had previously relied on Arianespace; however, the European space rocket currently lacked commercial slots for the Gsat-20 launch. This is due to the fact that commercial satellite slots for the next launches of Arianespace’s successor Ariane-6 have already been reserved, and the company’s Ariane-5 rocket retired last year. SpaceX is the only dependable choice for India because China’s commercial services are never taken into consideration by India and Russia is involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
The commercial division of Isro, New Space India Ltd., is responsible for funding, owning, and operating the GSAT-20, also known as the GSAT N-2, which is a continuation of the Gsat series of communication satellites. With a 14-year mission life, the satellite contains a Ka-band high-throughput communications payload with a throughput of 70 Gbit/s using 40 beams, providing an HTS capacity of around 48 Gpbs. Since each beam will have two polarizations, there will be 80 beams total.
The satellite is meant to increase the communication infrastructure’s capacity for data transmission, which is necessary for the Union government’s Smart City initiative. Additionally, it will facilitate internet connectivity while in flight. Due to the satellite’s 700 kg weight, the original plan was to launch it on an Isro LVM-3 rocket, but the Falcon-9 was ultimately chosen instead.
ISRO is developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to address its inability to launch satellites over 4 tonnes. With a budget of ₹8,240 crore, NGLV aims to triple the payload capacity of the current LVM-3. It will feature a reusable first stage and carry up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit or 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The vehicle is designed to be cost-effective, with its cost being only 1.5 times higher than the LVM-3.[With TOI inputs]
