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
Fill in the blank: The initial launch was scheduled for _______.
2024 ## Footnote The timeline for launches is critical for project planning and resource allocation.
26
True or False: The launch was initially planned on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
False ## Footnote The initial plan was to use India's GSLV Mark-III before switching to Falcon 9.
27
What is NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)?
A Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Space (DoS) in India ## Footnote NSIL enhances private sector involvement in India's space programs.
28
When was NSIL established?
March 6, 2019 ## Footnote NSIL operates under the Company Act of 2013.
29
What was NSIL's previous mission?
GSAT-24, launched in June 2022 ## Footnote The mission secured its capacity fully for Tata Play and was funded entirely by NSIL.
30
How many communication satellites does NSIL currently operate?
11 communication satellites ## Footnote These satellites are in orbit.
31
What contract did NSIL secure with OneWeb?
Launching batches of satellites for their satellite internet constellation ## Footnote NSIL deployed sets of 36 OneWeb satellites on multiple occasions.
32
What is the focus of OneWeb's satellite network?
Low Earth orbit (LEO) ## Footnote NSIL's contributions aided in expanding OneWeb's satellite network.
33
What was the value of the defense procurement agreement signed between the Ministry of Defence and NSIL?
3,000 crore ## Footnote This agreement was for the procurement of the GSAT 7B advanced communication satellite.
34
True or False: NSIL operates independently of the Department of Space.
False ## Footnote NSIL works in tandem with the Department of Space to enhance private sector involvement.
35
Fill in the blank: NSIL operates under the _______.
Company Act of 2013 ## Footnote This legal framework governs NSIL's operations.
36
What is Falcon 9?
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
In what year did Falcon 9 have its first launch?
2010
38
What type of launch vehicle is Falcon 9 categorized as?
Medium-lift launch vehicle
39
What missions did Falcon 9 undertake under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services?
Supplying cargo to the International Space Station (ISS)
40
What historical achievement did Falcon 9 accomplish in 2020?
Became the first commercial rocket to transport astronauts to orbit
41
True or False: Falcon 9 is the only commercial rocket capable of launching humans.
True
42
What is notable about Falcon 9's safety record?
It is U.S. rocket certified for crewed missions to the ISS with just one flight failure.
43
What is the groundbreaking feature of Falcon 9?
Its ability to land the first (booster) stage vertically after launch for reuse.
44
How does Falcon 9's reusability impact space travel costs?
Significantly reduces the cost of space travel.
45
What payloads has Falcon 9 transported to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO)?
* Intelsat 35e * Telstar 19v
46
What record did SpaceX set in January 2021?
The most satellites launched by a single rocket, deploying 143 satellites into orbit ## Footnote This record highlights SpaceX's capabilities in satellite deployment.
47
Who founded SpaceX and in what year?
Elon Musk in 2002 ## Footnote Elon Musk established SpaceX with a vision for space exploration and affordability.
48
What was the primary goal of SpaceX upon its founding?
Reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars ## Footnote Musk aimed to achieve this by making rockets reusable.
49
What is Falcon 1?
SpaceX's first orbital launch vehicle ## Footnote Falcon 1 faced initial setbacks but succeeded in reaching orbit on its fourth attempt in 2008.
50
What is the Starship Project?
A fully reusable, super heavy-lift launch system designed for interplanetary missions and orbital flights ## Footnote Starship had its maiden flight in April 2023, becoming the largest and most powerful rocket flown.
51
What is Elon Musk's long-term vision related to space?
Establishing a human settlement on Mars ## Footnote Starship is a key component of this ambitious plan.
52
What is SpaceX's involvement in NASA's Artemis program?
Involvement in returning humans to the Moon and proposing a lunar lander, HLS (Human Landing System) ## Footnote HLS aims to transport astronauts to and from the lunar system.
53
Fill in the blank: SpaceX's first successful orbital launch vehicle was _______.
Falcon 1
54
True or False: SpaceX's Starship is designed for only Earth-based missions.
False ## Footnote Starship is designed for interplanetary missions.
55
What did SpaceX aim to achieve by making rockets reusable?
Reduce space transportation costs and enable Mars colonization ## Footnote Reusability is a key innovation in space travel.
56
What is the Starship Project?
A fully reusable, super heavy-lift launch system designed for interplanetary missions and orbital flights ## Footnote The Starship Project aims to revolutionize space travel with its powerful capabilities.
57
When did Starship have its maiden flight?
April 2023 ## Footnote It became the largest and most powerful rocket flown.
58
What is Elon Musk's long-term vision for Mars?
Establishing a human settlement on Mars ## Footnote Starship is a key component of this ambitious plan.
59
What is the Artemis Program?
NASA's program aiming to return humans to the Moon ## Footnote SpaceX is involved in this program with its lunar lander proposal.
60
What does HLS stand for in the context of the Artemis Program?
Human Landing System ## Footnote The HLS aims to transport astronauts to and from the lunar surface.
61
What are India's new space targets?
Indian Space Station by 2035, Indian on Moon by 2040 ## Footnote These targets reflect India's growing ambitions in space exploration.
62
How much does the Indian space station weigh compared to the International Space Station?
20 tonnes compared to 450 tonnes ## Footnote The Indian space station is expected to be much smaller.
63
What is the weight of the Chinese Tiangong Space Station?
100 tonnes ## Footnote This highlights the smaller scale of the Indian space station.
64
What is the purpose of the Chandrayaan missions?
Developing a roadmap for Moon exploration ## Footnote The Department of Space is responsible for these missions.
65
What is expected from the next Chandrayaan mission?
Bring Moon samples back ## Footnote This mission is part of the broader goal of sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
66
True or False: The Indian Space Station will be larger than the International Space Station.
False ## Footnote The Indian space station is expected to be much smaller.
67
Which country has already sent an orbiter for Mars Mission?
India
68
Which country has already sent an orbiter for Mars Mission?
India
69
Which two countries have already sent the lander for Mars Mission?
USA and China
70
Which two countries have already sent the lander for Mars Mission?
USA and China
71
Which country has landed successfully on Mars but their lander stopped working?
Russia
72
Which country has landed successfully on Mars but their lander stopped working?
Russia
73
Did India have lander technology before Chandrayaan 2?
No
74
Did India have lander technology before Chandrayaan 2?
No
75
Why did Russia back out of the Chandrayaan 2 mission?
Failure of their lander to the Martian moon Phobos
76
Why did Russia back out of the Chandrayaan 2 mission?
Failure of their lander to the Martian moon Phobos
77
What are the scientists working on?
Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander Mission
78
What are the scientists working on?
Venus Orbiter Mission and a Mars Lander Mission