Elon Musk's SpaceX launches Indian satellite on Falcon 9 rocket
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s most sophisticated communications satellite, which will provide broadband services in remote areas and in-flight Internet in passenger aircraft.
The satellite was set off for its 34-minute journey into outer space onboard Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
The Falcon 9 rocket was lifted off at 12.01 am from Space Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral in US's Florida.
Deployment of @NSIL_India GSAT-N2 confirmed pic.twitter.com/AHYjp9Zn6S
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 18, 2024
"Hoping to see the launch go well. And all the best to the team," ISRO Chairman S Somanath said in a recorded message available to the media.
Since the satellite weighed 4,700 kg and was too heavy for Indian rockets to carry, it necessitated a foreign commercial launch.
The launch pad has been hired by SpaceX from the US Space Force. The mission life of GSAT-N2 is 14 years.
This is the first time that ISRO is launching a satellite on a SpaceX rocket through its commercial arm New Space India Limited (NSIL).
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Ozone hole recovery accelerates: 2025 size among lowest in decades, NASA reports
While continental in scale, the ozone hole over the Antarctic was small in 2025 compared to previous years and remains on track to recover later this century, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported.
Delhi orders 50% office attendance as toxic air triggers GRAP-3
Delhi’s worsening air pollution has pushed the city into GRAP-3, prompting the government and private offices to operate with only 50 percent staff on-site, while the rest work from home.
Malaria vaccine just got cheaper! Gavi and UNICEF slash prices in major deal
COP30 in Belém delivers huge climate finance push
In a pivotal outcome at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, countries agreed on a sweeping package to scale up climate finance and accelerate implementation of the Paris Agreement – but without a clear commitment to move away from fossil fuels.
Latest News
'Kill India' chants, flags desecration, at Ottawa Khalistan referendum amid Modi-Carney G20 talk
Tripura supplies power for over 23 hours daily: Power Minister
Australian senator suspended for rest of year after wearing Burqa in Parliament protest
Poll shock for Sadiq Khan: Labour slumps, Reform UK climbs
