ISRO to launch communication satellite aboard SpaceX rocket

The 4,700-kg GSAT-N2 satellite aims to provide data or Internet services to remote areas, to help provide internet on planes across Indian regions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its communication satellite aboard the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

The 4700-kilogram GSAT-N2 satellite aims to provide data or Internet services to remote areas.

It will also enable the availability of the Internet in aeroplanes across the Indian region.

ISRO's launch vehicle Mark-3 can put 4,000 kg into a geostationary transfer orbit; however, as GSAT-N2 weighs 4,700 kg, the space agency is using SpaceX's launch vehicle. This marks ISRO's first commercial launch using SpaceX.