News Update

Indian Space Startups Thrive with In-Orbit Experiments Aboard ISRO’s POEM

• ByStartupStory     |    January 4, 2024

Indian startups Dhurva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace have achieved significant milestones in space technology. Dhurva Space successfully tested the LEAP-TD on ISRO’s POEM initiative, confirming the functionality of their P30 Satellite Platform’s subsystems. According to their statement, “The subsystems include 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.”

Simultaneously, Bellatrix Aerospace, supported by DRDO’s Technology Development Fund, announced the successful testing of India’s inaugural high-performance green propulsion system for small satellites. DRDO stated, “The developed technology is environmentally safe, reducing cost of satellites and will be key technology boosting Indian space capabilities.”

These achievements mark a significant step forward in Indian space capabilities. Dhurva Space’s validated LEAP-TD opens pathways for hosted payload solutions, allowing third parties to own and operate specific components on satellites. 

Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Dhurva Space, highlighted, “Dhurva Space’s hosted payload offering enables reduced timelines and rapid access to Space; shared operations, development and launch; significant cost savings; considerable risk reduction; and various levels of payload command and control through Dhruva Space’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) ground facilities.”

ISRO’s POEM initiative, hosted on the PSLV rocket, provides opportunities for startups, students, and research institutes to conduct in-orbit experiments. The standardized interfaces and packages on POEM facilitate the design, development, and validation of experimental payloads. Furthermore, on January 1, ISRO’s PSLV-C58 rocket successfully placed XPoSAT, developed by Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute, into orbit.

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