The satellite, developed by ISRO and weighing 4,700 kg, exceeds the capacity of India’s GSLV Mk-III rocket, nicknamed "Bahubali." Traditionally, India relied on Arianespace for heavy satellite launches, but with no operational rockets available, SpaceX emerged as the only viable option. NSIL Chairman Radhakrishnan Durairaj praised the deal as both technically compatible and commercially beneficial.

GSAT-N2, with a 14-year mission life, will provide enhanced communication services across India, including 32 beams for broadband connectivity, aiding regions like the Northeast and supporting in-flight Internet connectivity. The launch, estimated to cost $60-70 million, highlights India’s strategic shift to SpaceX as a reliable partner.

The partnership also comes amidst stronger ties between India and SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Musk, a vocal admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed enthusiasm for India’s potential, stating that the country "has more promise than any large country in the world." During his June 2023 meeting with Modi, Musk pledged to expand SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, Starlink, to support remote Indian villages. However, regulatory approvals are still pending, with Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasizing the need for Starlink to meet security requirements.

Beyond satellite launches, India has secured a deal with Axiom Space to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon system, further deepening India’s partnership with SpaceX and showcasing its ambitions in human spaceflight.

The satellite, developed by ISRO and weighing 4,700 kg, exceeds the capacity of India’s GSLV Mk-III rocket, nicknamed "Bahubali." Traditionally, India relied on Arianespace for heavy satellite launches, but with no operational rockets available, SpaceX emerged as the only viable option. NSIL Chairman Radhakrishnan Durairaj praised the deal as both technically compatible and commercially beneficial.

GSAT-N2, with a 14-year mission life, will provide enhanced communication services across India, including 32 beams for broadband connectivity, aiding regions like the Northeast and supporting in-flight Internet connectivity. The launch, estimated to cost $60-70 million, highlights India’s strategic shift to SpaceX as a reliable partner.

The partnership also comes amidst stronger ties between India and SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Musk, a vocal admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed enthusiasm for India’s potential, stating that the country "has more promise than any large country in the world." During his June 2023 meeting with Modi, Musk pledged to expand SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, Starlink, to support remote Indian villages. However, regulatory approvals are still pending, with Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasizing the need for Starlink to meet security requirements.

Beyond satellite launches, India has secured a deal with Axiom Space to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon system, further deepening India’s partnership with SpaceX and showcasing its ambitions in human spaceflight.