The country's latest communication satellite, GSAT-N2 was successfully launched by billionaire Elon Musk-founded SpaceX from Cape Canaveral in the US, ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has said.

The communication satellite will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region, NSIL said.

As the satellite was heavier than ISRO's current launch capabilities, it had to opt for a foreign launch vehicle, top space scientists and former chiefs of the country's space agency said.

K Sivan, former ISRO chairperson said, "The satellite was a heavier one beyond the capability of ISRO launch vehicles. That is why it has gone outside."

The 4,700kg GSAT-N2 High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) onboard a Falcon 9 rocket was injected into the desired orbit.

"NSIL's GSAT-N2 HTS communication satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, USA on 19th November 2024."

"GSAT-N2 weighing 4700 kg has been injected into the desired Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) has taken control of the satellite. Preliminary data indicates satellite in good health," NSIL posted on 'X.'

The second Demand Driven satellite of NSIL, GSAT-N2 is a Ka-band HTS that will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region, NSIL said. GSAT-24 was NSIL's first demand driven satellite and launched from Kourou, French Guiana on June 23, 2022.

"This satellite (GSAT-N2) featuring multiple spot beams and wideband Ka x Ka transponders, aims to support a large subscriber base with small user terminals, boosting system throughput through its multi-beam architecture which allows frequency reuse," NSIL said.

The satellite has a mission life of 14 years and is equipped with 32 user beams, comprising eight narrow spot beams over the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams over the rest of India.