The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India’s very own space agency, has joined hands with its American competitor, SpaceX in a multi-million dollar deal for a satellite launch. The timing could not be better, as SpaceX is no more just another Musk Venture, it is owned by incoming American President Donald Trump’s best pal. Early next week, the Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX will launch the Indian GSAT-20, also called GSAT N-2, into orbit, as per an NDTV report.
While the Trump-Modi friendship is quite well known on a global level, a new addition here is Musk, who also has said he is a ‘Modi fan’. The deal will now be a positive step in the new India-U.S. relations, which are to follow in this new Trump presidency.
A Hefty Satellite and a Smart Deal
At 4,700 kg, GSAT-N2 is too heavy for India’s current rockets like the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, affectionately nicknamed “Bahubali.” While India has traditionally relied on Arianespace for such launches, the lack of operational rockets in their fleet left SpaceX as the top choice. Other options seem highly unviable such as Chinese rockets and Russia’s commercial capabilities are not fit here, due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Radhakrishnan Durairaj, head of New Space India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, shared that the SpaceX deal was not only technically but also economically sound. The launch is estimated to cost $60-70 million, a fair price for placing a communications satellite into geostationary orbit. GSAT-N2, with its 14-year mission life, will provide enhanced Internet connectivity, including in-flight services, through its 32 spot beams spread across India.
Elon Musk’s Indian Connection
Musk, who met PM Modi in June 2023, is clearly bullish about India. “I’m incredibly excited about India’s future,” Musk had said, adding that Modi’s leadership pushes companies like SpaceX to consider significant investments in the country. At the same time, Musk has been lobbying for Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based Internet service, to enter the Indian market.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently said that while Starlink is working on meeting India’s regulatory and security requirements, a license will only be granted once these are fully addressed. Musk has emphasised Starlink’s potential to bring high-speed Internet to remote Indian villages, but the timeline for regulatory approval remains uncertain.
More Space Ventures Ahead
India’s partnership with SpaceX doesn’t stop at satellite launches. The country has signed a deal with Axiom Space to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. This mission, estimated at $60 million, will be shared with three other astronauts, slightly lowering the individual cost.
The Bigger Picture
This collaboration reflects the strengthening ties between India and SpaceX, with Modi’s visit to the U.S. earlier this year playing a crucial role. While the optics of such partnerships may raise eyebrows, especially given the timing around the U.S. elections, the deals themselves predate these developments. Critics of “crony capitalism” have little ground here.
