Spacetech

Dhruva Space Secures Authorization to Provide Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS)

• ByStartupStory     |    July 16, 2024

Dhruva Space, a pioneering spacetech startup, has become one of the first private entities in India to receive authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to provide Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS). This landmark approval marks a significant milestone for the company and the Indian space industry.

Dhruva Space, known for launching private satellites with its successful Thybolt mission, is now in discussions with several global ground station operators to expand its network. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive global network of earth stations, enabling seamless satellite operation from any location worldwide.

The Hyderabad-based startup stated that the authorization will enhance its ground segment capabilities, offering critical ground support for real-time satellite communication and control. This development will enable Dhruva Space to commercially support a wide range of space missions with increased efficiency and effectiveness. The company’s established track record in low-bit rate connectivity missions will provide a significant advantage to its GSaaS offerings.

Dhruva Space has already indigenously designed and developed six ground stations in VHF and UHF bands, as well as two ground stations in S and X bands. Among these is an S&X ground station at IIT Hyderabad, developed in-house, which will play a crucial role in supporting the upcoming LEAP-1 hosted payload mission scheduled for later this year.

“This commercial capability ensures reliable data transmission, enhances mission flexibility, and reduces operational costs. Additionally, this GSaaS authorisation fosters innovation by providing startups access to advanced ground station facilities, accelerating research and development, and focusing resources on mission objectives,” the company said in a statement.

Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Dhruva Space, received the authorization letter from IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka in Ahmedabad. Expressing his excitement, Nekkanti stated, “GSaaS is poised to play a pivotal role in the significant transformation anticipated in space interactions in the upcoming decade. This approval will help the company support the growing number of space startups looking to validate their spacecraft in orbit.”

 

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