GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2) Flashcards
What is the name of the communication satellite launched by NewSpace India Ltd?
GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2)
This is the first satellite launched by NSIL on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
What is the HTS capacity of GSAT-20?
Nearly 48 Gbps
This capacity indicates the ability to handle a large amount of data transmission.
How much does GSAT-20 weigh?
4,700 kg
This weight is significant for satellite launches.
Who owns and operates GSAT-20?
NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd)
NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO.
What is the purpose of GSAT-20?
To augment data transmission capacity for India’s Smart Cities Mission
It is part of the continuation of the GSAT series.
What does ‘demand-driven satellite mode’ mean?
It means knowing the end customers and their utilization before launch
This ensures effective utilization of satellite capacity once in orbit.
True or False: GSAT-20 is the first demand-driven satellite launched by NSIL.
False
GSAT-20 is the second demand-driven satellite launch enabled by NSIL.
Fill in the blank: GSAT-20 is a high-throughput _______ satellite.
Ka-band
The Ka-band is used for high-frequency communications.
What is GSAT-20 also known as?
GSAT-N2
What type of satellite is GSAT-20?
High-throughput satellite
What is the primary function of GSAT-20?
Delivers high-speed broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission
Who funded GSAT-20?
NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)
What is the HTS capacity of GSAT-20?
Nearly 48 gbps
What is the main aim of GSAT-20?
To meet the broadband communication needs of the country
What significant capability does GSAT-20 provide?
High data transmission capability over the entire country
What services does GSAT-20 support?
- In-Flight Connectivity (IFMC)
- Maritime Connectivity
- Cellular backhaul services
How does GSAT-20 contribute to bridging the digital divide?
Meets requirements of remote and previously unconnected regions
What is a High-throughput Satellite (HTS)?
A communication satellite that provides more throughput than conventional Fixed Satellite Service (FSS)
What is the benefit of using HTS?
Significantly reduces cost-per-bit
What frequency range does the Ka-band refer to?
27 GHz to 40 GHz
What is the primary use of Ka-band?
Communication with satellites
What was the initial launch expectation for the project?
Initially scheduled for launch in 2024 on LVM 3 (India’s GSLV Mark-III)
LVM 3 is a launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching heavier payloads.
Why was there a shift in the launch platform?
Moved to a SpaceX Falcon 9 due to being 700 kilos overweight for successful launch on indigenous platforms
The shift to Falcon 9 allows for a higher payload capacity, accommodating the excess weight.
What is the significance of the weight issue in launch planning?
A payload being overweight can prevent a successful launch on indigenous platforms
This highlights the importance of accurate weight assessments in mission planning.
Fill in the blank: The initial launch was scheduled for _______.
2024
The timeline for launches is critical for project planning and resource allocation.
True or False: The launch was initially planned on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
False
The initial plan was to use India’s GSLV Mark-III before switching to Falcon 9.
What is NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)?
A Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Space (DoS) in India
NSIL enhances private sector involvement in India’s space programs.
When was NSIL established?
March 6, 2019
NSIL operates under the Company Act of 2013.
What was NSIL’s previous mission?
GSAT-24, launched in June 2022
The mission secured its capacity fully for Tata Play and was funded entirely by NSIL.
How many communication satellites does NSIL currently operate?
11 communication satellites
These satellites are in orbit.
What contract did NSIL secure with OneWeb?
Launching batches of satellites for their satellite internet constellation
NSIL deployed sets of 36 OneWeb satellites on multiple occasions.