India’s space startups are celebrating the success of their in-orbit experiments aboard the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM). The experiments made use of various subsystems, including the On-Board Computer, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) TT&C Module, Beacon in UHF, Attitude Control System with a Reaction Wheel from Comat, and Power Distribution Board, according to a statement by Dhruva Space.
The POEM serves as a platform for conducting in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV rocket. This innovative approach allows space startups, university students, and research institutes to carry out tests of their experiments in outer space.
In another significant development, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced the successful testing of India’s first high-performance green propulsion system for small satellites. The propulsion system, developed by Bellatrix Aerospace with support from the DRDO’s Technology Development Fund, is hailed as environmentally safe and cost-effective.
The developed technology is environmentally safe, reducing the cost of satellites and will be a key technology in boosting Indian space capabilities, said the DRDO.
This achievement, known as the qualification of the LEAP-TD, opens doors for hosted payload solutions in space missions. A hosted payload refers to a portion of the spacecraft, such as a sensor, instrument, or set of transponders, that is owned by someone other than the satellite’s primary operator. These payloads operate independently while sharing resources such as power supply, transponders, and, in some cases, ground systems with the main spacecraft.
Dhruva Space, one of the Indian space startups, is actively involved in this endeavor. The company’s CEO, Sanjay Nekkanti, emphasized the benefits of their hosted payload offering, including reduced timelines, rapid access to space, shared operations and development, significant cost savings, considerable risk reduction, and various levels of payload command and control through Dhruva Space’s ground facilities.
Following the successful qualifying of the LEAP-TD, the first LEAP satellite mission (LEAP-1) is already in the works and scheduled for launch in the near future, as stated by the startup.
The POEM platform on the PSLV rocket provides standard interfaces and packages for power generation, telemetry, tele-command, stabilization, orbit keeping, and orbit maneuvering. These capabilities enable the design, development, and validation of experimental payloads.
Most recently, on January 1, the PSLV-C58 rocket, carrying the XPoSAT satellite developed by the Bengaluru-based Raman Research Institute, was successfully placed into orbit by ISRO. This demonstrates the progress and potential of India’s space startup ecosystem.
India’s space startups, collaborating with ISRO and other organizations, are making significant contributions to the country’s space capabilities. The success of the in-orbit experiments conducted on ISRO’s POEM showcases the achievements and growing presence of these startups in India’s space industry. With a focus on innovation, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, these developments are set to shape the future of space exploration and satellite technology in the country.
