The year 2024 for Dhruva Space lifts off on a strong note, as the Hyderabad-based full-stack Space company announces the LEAP-TD mission.
This mission marks the imminent validation of Dhruva Space’s flagship P-30 nanosatellite platform. Scheduled for launch aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation’s PSLV-C58 at 09:10 IST on 01 January 2024 from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota, this significant milestone marks a leap forward in Dhruva Space’s commitment to advancing satellite innovation and Space exploration.
The upcoming ‘Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads – Technology Demonstrator’ (LEAP-TD) mission will take off onboard the POEM platform on ISRO’s PSLV-DL, the variant of the PSLV equipped with two solid, strap-on boosters.
Dhruva Space’s LEAP Missions
The LEAP-TD mission features a derivative of the Dhruva Space P-30 satellite platform integrated into ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which allows in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform.
The mission aims to validate the functionality and robustness of the P-30 platform and its various subsystems in orbit. These subsystems include an On-Board Computer, TTC in UHF, Beacon in UHF, an Attitude Control System with a Reaction Wheel, and a Power Distribution Board.
Dhruva Space will also be collaborating with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, for carrying out Telemetry, Tracking, and command (TT&C) activities at their Ground Station. This collaboration for LEAP-TD is indicative of a vibrant synergy between industry and academia, encouraged by the Department of Space.
Designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) operations, Dhruva Space’s P-30 nanosatellite platform represents the culmination of extensive research, development, and engineering expertise which will be a determining enabler in the upcoming satellite missions of Dhruva Space and its customers.
Dhruva Space’s LEAP initiative will then transition into full-fledged hosted payload solutions for Space missions, signifying Dhruva Space’s readiness to offer hosted payload services to the world.
A hosted payload service comprises a portion of a satellite, such as a sensor, instrument, or a set of communications transponders that are owned by an entity other than the primary satellite operator. The hosted portion of the satellite operates independently of the main spacecraft but shares the satellite’s power supply, transponders, and in some cases, ground systems.
“We are excited about the imminent validation of our P-30 nanosatellite platform aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C58. The LEAP initiative of Dhruva Space marks a significant moment, underscoring our commitment to delivering full-stack and hosted payload solutions to our customers. This will be further enriched by new, upcoming pursuits in the fields of Earth Observation, IoT solutions, and more” says Sanjay Nekkanti, Chief Executive Officer, Dhruva Space.
Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Chief Operations Officer, Dhruva Space, observes, “Dhruva Space’s fourth Space mission is symbolic of the support we have continually received from ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL and VSSC throughout the P-30’s journey from review to testing to integration. The P-30 platform represents our team’s dedication and expertise, and we are eager to validate its capabilities in the Space environment.”
Nanosatellites are often employed in LEO missions which are very dynamic with respect to attitude control; therefore, reorientation of the spacecraft in relation to the Earth and the Sun, is crucial. One of the key components in the P-30 is a Reaction Wheel from French strategic equipment supplier Comat, with whom Dhruva Space officialized a partnership in February 2023.
Typically, satellites are integrated with four Reaction Wheels for three-axis stabilization, to generate internal torque, enable high-precision pointing, and maintain power efficiency.
Observing the mission with optimism, Ludovic Daudois, Chief Executive Officer, Comat, adds, “We are honored to be part of this milestone, supplying the precision reaction wheels that propel this mission to new heights. This achievement not only marks a significant moment for Dhruva Space, but also strengthens the pioneer French-Indian partnership in the Space sector. Here’s to a future filled with continued success and exploration!”
