Why India’s Communications Satellites Are So Heavy in 2025

India’s communication satellites skew heavier because they carry more transponders and antennas, larger solar arrays and batteries, and significant propellant for GTO‑to‑GEO orbit raising and station‑keeping. Designers add redundancy and long-life margins, while GSLV capacity and high‑throughput Ka‑band demand shape sizing. Electric propulsion is growing, but mixed chemical‑electric buses still dominate for mission flexibility and quicker orbit acquisition in 2025.