Now Get High-Speed Internet on Flights, Thanks to ISRO’s Satellite Launch with Musk’s Help
India’s most advanced communication satellite, GSAT-20, has been successfully launched. It was carried into space by Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. In the early hours of Tuesday, November 19, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved this milestone.
The GSAT-20 satellite is designed to provide broadband services to remote areas and offer in-flight internet connectivity to passengers. This groundbreaking satellite was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant advancement in India’s space communication capabilities.
GSAT-20 Successfully Placed in Precise Orbit, Confirms NSIL Chairman
Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial branch based in Bengaluru, stated, “The launch was successful. GSAT-20 has been placed in a highly precise orbit and is also referred to as GSAT N-2 or GSAT-20.”
Weighing 4,700 kilograms, this fully commercial satellite was launched from Space Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch pad is leased by Elon Musk’s SpaceX from the United States Space Force, a specialized military branch established in 2019 to secure the nation’s space assets.
What is the Falcon 9 B-5 Rocket?
- The Falcon 9 B-5 rocket, used for satellite launches, stands at a height of 70 meters.
- The rocket weighs approximately 549 tons.
- It is used during the lift-off phase of the launch.
- Designed as a two-stage rocket, it is capable of carrying heavy payloads into orbit.
- The rocket can transport up to 8,300 kilograms into geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and 22,800 kilograms into low Earth orbit (LEO).
- The first stage successfully completed its mission after approximately 8 minutes of flight.
- This launch marked SpaceX’s 371st successful rocket recovery, as part of Elon Musk’s efforts to reuse rockets.
In-Flight Internet Access Now Allowed in India
Until now, internet access on flights was not permitted in India. However, the government has recently amended the regulations. Now, passengers will be able to use the internet on their phones once the plane reaches an altitude of 3,000 meters.
The government has also clarified that passengers will be allowed to use Wi-Fi for internet services only if the use of electronic devices is permitted by the airline once the plane reaches that altitude.
