ToSpace envisions to make space access affordable and accessible for everyone, and to contribute to diverse sectors
Space economy is indispensable to harness the true potential of innovation and lend momentum to the pace of economic growth. What was once the exclusive realm of government agencies, is fast turning into an entrepreneurial arena where the most ingenious companies vie with each other to produce effective solutions and catalyze the genesis of future trends.
ToSpace, a Tamil Nadu based space tech startup, focuses on design and development of nano and small satellites. It envisions to bring cost effective and accessible satellites solutions to the Indian market. The company has some big plans for 2022 and beyond.
ToSpace claims a distinctive feat for itself: the first Indian start-up to have satellites scheduled for launch by SPACE X.
Multi-functionality satellites
IndianSat has a dimension of 3x3x3 cm and weighs 30 gm. ToSpace claims it to be the world’s smallest and lightest satellite. It’s made of reinforced graphene polymer, which has been selected for its high tensile strength and temperature resistance. Interestingly, the entire satellite has been designed with the help of 3D printing.
IndianSat is a sub-orbital satellite loaded with the most advanced features and functionality. It is equipped with an on-board computer that has been integrated with 11 different sensors and can measure more than 20 different parameters such as ambient temperature, barometric pressure, ultra violet radiation, acceleration etc. It also has sensors to detect luminosity, altitude, and includes a gyroscope as well.
“The Satellite data received at the ground station in Tamil Nadu will serve the purpose of various internal analysis and the information will be shared with government agencies and educational institutions for learning, research and commercial applications”, says Adnan M, CEO, ToSpace.
ToSpace also plans to launch a V2 version of the IndianSat, which is a communication satellite meant to test LoRa in microgravity. It’s an open-source satellite that communicates IoT data with Earth through the use of low-power RF modules. IndianSat V2 is a picosatellite that provides highly secure and dedicated IoT connectivity using LoRa Gateways as a payload. The company also plans to launch a multi-spectral imaging satellite.
“Our primary research is towards PocketQube satellites. We are offering satellite PocketQubes, (1P-6P), (1U-6U) building services, launch services, ground station support and related services”, says Adnan M.
Need of collaboration
ToSpace co-founders exude optimism about the prospects of India’s space entrepreneurship ecosystem in the wake of liberalized policy frameworks. They are glad that India is promoting and enabling private space start-ups and are of the opinion that budding Indian entrepreneurs can harbor the ambition of an space era.
However, there’s also a feeling that in order to attract fresh talent and inculcate interest in spacing, a more active and collaborative approach is needed.
“There needs to be more incentives for start-ups to overcome early-stage roadblocks. In order to attract students towards space, India should promote rocket science and astronomy in education”, adds Govindaraj R, COO and co-founder.
ToSpace also plans to sign MOUs and deepen collaboration with other satellite companies for industry specific services. The company is currently in talks with universities to nurture young talents in space technology.
The global satellite industry is expected to hit US $360.5 billion by 2030 and ToSpace is eyeing consolidation to cater to the growing demands.
“ToSpace remains committed to expansion through technology advancement and acquisition of fresh talent. We have empaneled technical advisors to support future missions”, says Adnan M.
