GSAT-20 (GSAT-N2) Flashcards

1
Q

What is the name of the communication satellite launched by NewSpace India Ltd?

A

GSAT-20 (renamed as GSAT-N2)

This is the first satellite launched by NSIL on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

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2
Q

What is the HTS capacity of GSAT-20?

A

Nearly 48 Gbps

This capacity indicates the ability to handle a large amount of data transmission.

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3
Q

How much does GSAT-20 weigh?

A

4,700 kg

This weight is significant for satellite launches.

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4
Q

Who owns and operates GSAT-20?

A

NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd)

NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO.

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5
Q

What is the purpose of GSAT-20?

A

To augment data transmission capacity for India’s Smart Cities Mission

It is part of the continuation of the GSAT series.

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6
Q

What does ‘demand-driven satellite mode’ mean?

A

It means knowing the end customers and their utilization before launch

This ensures effective utilization of satellite capacity once in orbit.

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7
Q

True or False: GSAT-20 is the first demand-driven satellite launched by NSIL.

A

False

GSAT-20 is the second demand-driven satellite launch enabled by NSIL.

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8
Q

Fill in the blank: GSAT-20 is a high-throughput _______ satellite.

A

Ka-band

The Ka-band is used for high-frequency communications.

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9
Q

What is GSAT-20 also known as?

A

GSAT-N2

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10
Q

What type of satellite is GSAT-20?

A

High-throughput satellite

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11
Q

What is the primary function of GSAT-20?

A

Delivers high-speed broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission

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12
Q

Who funded GSAT-20?

A

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)

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13
Q

What is the HTS capacity of GSAT-20?

A

Nearly 48 gbps

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14
Q

What is the main aim of GSAT-20?

A

To meet the broadband communication needs of the country

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15
Q

What significant capability does GSAT-20 provide?

A

High data transmission capability over the entire country

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16
Q

What services does GSAT-20 support?

A
  • In-Flight Connectivity (IFMC)
  • Maritime Connectivity
  • Cellular backhaul services
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17
Q

How does GSAT-20 contribute to bridging the digital divide?

A

Meets requirements of remote and previously unconnected regions

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18
Q

What is a High-throughput Satellite (HTS)?

A

A communication satellite that provides more throughput than conventional Fixed Satellite Service (FSS)

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19
Q

What is the benefit of using HTS?

A

Significantly reduces cost-per-bit

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20
Q

What frequency range does the Ka-band refer to?

A

27 GHz to 40 GHz

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21
Q

What is the primary use of Ka-band?

A

Communication with satellites

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22
Q

What was the initial launch expectation for the project?

A

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.

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23
Q

Why was there a shift in the launch platform?

A

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.

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24
Q

What is the significance of the weight issue in launch planning?

A

A payload being overweight can prevent a successful launch on indigenous platforms

This highlights the importance of accurate weight assessments in mission planning.

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25
Q

Fill in the blank: The initial launch was scheduled for _______.

A

2024

The timeline for launches is critical for project planning and resource allocation.

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26
Q

True or False: The launch was initially planned on a SpaceX Falcon 9.

A

False

The initial plan was to use India’s GSLV Mark-III before switching to Falcon 9.

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27
Q

What is NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)?

A

A Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Space (DoS) in India

NSIL enhances private sector involvement in India’s space programs.

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28
Q

When was NSIL established?

A

March 6, 2019

NSIL operates under the Company Act of 2013.

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29
Q

What was NSIL’s previous mission?

A

GSAT-24, launched in June 2022

The mission secured its capacity fully for Tata Play and was funded entirely by NSIL.

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30
Q

How many communication satellites does NSIL currently operate?

A

11 communication satellites

These satellites are in orbit.

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31
Q

What contract did NSIL secure with OneWeb?

A

Launching batches of satellites for their satellite internet constellation

NSIL deployed sets of 36 OneWeb satellites on multiple occasions.

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32
Q

What is the focus of OneWeb’s satellite network?

A

Low Earth orbit (LEO)

NSIL’s contributions aided in expanding OneWeb’s satellite network.

33
Q

What was the value of the defense procurement agreement signed between the Ministry of Defence and NSIL?

A

3,000 crore

This agreement was for the procurement of the GSAT 7B advanced communication satellite.

34
Q

True or False: NSIL operates independently of the Department of Space.

A

False

NSIL works in tandem with the Department of Space to enhance private sector involvement.

35
Q

Fill in the blank: NSIL operates under the _______.

A

Company Act of 2013

This legal framework governs NSIL’s operations.

36
Q

What is Falcon 9?

A

A reusable two-stage rocket developed and manufactured by SpaceX designed for reliable and safe transportation of payloads and people into Earth orbit and beyond.

37
Q

In what year did Falcon 9 have its first launch?

A

2010

38
Q

What type of launch vehicle is Falcon 9 categorized as?

A

Medium-lift launch vehicle

39
Q

What missions did Falcon 9 undertake under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services?

A

Supplying cargo to the International Space Station (ISS)

40
Q

What historical achievement did Falcon 9 accomplish in 2020?

A

Became the first commercial rocket to transport astronauts to orbit

41
Q

True or False: Falcon 9 is the only commercial rocket capable of launching humans.

A

True

42
Q

What is notable about Falcon 9’s safety record?

A

It is U.S. rocket certified for crewed missions to the ISS with just one flight failure.

43
Q

What is the groundbreaking feature of Falcon 9?

A

Its ability to land the first (booster) stage vertically after launch for reuse.

44
Q

How does Falcon 9’s reusability impact space travel costs?

A

Significantly reduces the cost of space travel.

45
Q

What payloads has Falcon 9 transported to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO)?

A
  • Intelsat 35e
  • Telstar 19v
46
Q

What record did SpaceX set in January 2021?

A

The most satellites launched by a single rocket, deploying 143 satellites into orbit

This record highlights SpaceX’s capabilities in satellite deployment.

47
Q

Who founded SpaceX and in what year?

A

Elon Musk in 2002

Elon Musk established SpaceX with a vision for space exploration and affordability.

48
Q

What was the primary goal of SpaceX upon its founding?

A

Reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars

Musk aimed to achieve this by making rockets reusable.

49
Q

What is Falcon 1?

A

SpaceX’s first orbital launch vehicle

Falcon 1 faced initial setbacks but succeeded in reaching orbit on its fourth attempt in 2008.

50
Q

What is the Starship Project?

A

A fully reusable, super heavy-lift launch system designed for interplanetary missions and orbital flights

Starship had its maiden flight in April 2023, becoming the largest and most powerful rocket flown.

51
Q

What is Elon Musk’s long-term vision related to space?

A

Establishing a human settlement on Mars

Starship is a key component of this ambitious plan.

52
Q

What is SpaceX’s involvement in NASA’s Artemis program?

A

Involvement in returning humans to the Moon and proposing a lunar lander, HLS (Human Landing System)

HLS aims to transport astronauts to and from the lunar system.

53
Q

Fill in the blank: SpaceX’s first successful orbital launch vehicle was _______.

A

Falcon 1

54
Q

True or False: SpaceX’s Starship is designed for only Earth-based missions.

A

False

Starship is designed for interplanetary missions.

55
Q

What did SpaceX aim to achieve by making rockets reusable?

A

Reduce space transportation costs and enable Mars colonization

Reusability is a key innovation in space travel.

56
Q

What is the Starship Project?

A

A fully reusable, super heavy-lift launch system designed for interplanetary missions and orbital flights

The Starship Project aims to revolutionize space travel with its powerful capabilities.

57
Q

When did Starship have its maiden flight?

A

April 2023

It became the largest and most powerful rocket flown.

58
Q

What is Elon Musk’s long-term vision for Mars?

A

Establishing a human settlement on Mars

Starship is a key component of this ambitious plan.

59
Q

What is the Artemis Program?

A

NASA’s program aiming to return humans to the Moon

SpaceX is involved in this program with its lunar lander proposal.

60
Q

What does HLS stand for in the context of the Artemis Program?

A

Human Landing System

The HLS aims to transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface.

61
Q

What are India’s new space targets?

A

Indian Space Station by 2035, Indian on Moon by 2040

These targets reflect India’s growing ambitions in space exploration.

62
Q

How much does the Indian space station weigh compared to the International Space Station?

A

20 tonnes compared to 450 tonnes

The Indian space station is expected to be much smaller.

63
Q

What is the weight of the Chinese Tiangong Space Station?

A

100 tonnes

This highlights the smaller scale of the Indian space station.

64
Q

What is the purpose of the Chandrayaan missions?

A

Developing a roadmap for Moon exploration

The Department of Space is responsible for these missions.

65
Q

What is expected from the next Chandrayaan mission?

A

Bring Moon samples back

This mission is part of the broader goal of sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.

66
Q

True or False: The Indian Space Station will be larger than the International Space Station.

A

False

The Indian space station is expected to be much smaller.

67
Q

Which country has already sent an orbiter for Mars Mission?

A

India

68
Q

Which country has already sent an orbiter for Mars Mission?

A

India

69
Q

Which two countries have already sent the lander for Mars Mission?

A

USA and China

70
Q

Which two countries have already sent the lander for Mars Mission?

A

USA and China

71
Q

Which country has landed successfully on Mars but their lander stopped working?

A

Russia

72
Q

Which country has landed successfully on Mars but their lander stopped working?

A

Russia

73
Q

Did India have lander technology before Chandrayaan 2?

A

No

74
Q

Did India have lander technology before Chandrayaan 2?

A

No

75
Q

Why did Russia back out of the Chandrayaan 2 mission?

A

Failure of their lander to the Martian moon Phobos

76
Q

Why did Russia back out of the Chandrayaan 2 mission?

A

Failure of their lander to the Martian moon Phobos

77
Q

What are the scientists working on?

A

Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander Mission

78
Q

What are the scientists working on?

A

Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander Mission