Four Indian Space Startups to Launch Experiments on Isro’s PSLV-C58 Flight

Four Indian space startups, namely Dhruva Space, Bellatrix Aerospace, InspeCity Space Labs Private Limited, and TakeMe2Space, are gearing up to launch their payloads aboard Isro’s PSLV-C58 mission.

Dhruva Space’s LEAP-TD Payload:

• Dhruva Space, based in Hyderabad, will deploy its LEAP-TD (Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads – Technology Demonstrator) payload to validate the functionality and robustness of the P-30 nanosatellite platform. This includes testing various subsystems of the nanosatellite platform in orbit.
• Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Dhruva Space, emphasized that the LEAP initiative is a significant milestone for the company, showcasing its commitment to delivering full-stack and hosted payload solutions. Dhruva Space is also exploring endeavors in Earth Observation and IoT solutions.

Bellatrix Aerospace’s Thruster Testing:

• Bellatrix Aerospace, headquartered in Bengaluru, will test its Rudra 0.3 HPGP thruster, a green monopropellant thruster, and ARKA-200, a heater-less hollow cathode for Hall thrusters. These technologies play a crucial role in keeping satellites in desired orbits.

InspeCity Space Labs’ GITA Propulsion Unit:

• InspeCity Space Labs Private Limited, a Mumbai-based startup incubated at IIT Bombay, founded by Arindrajit Chowdhury, will test the Green Impulse TrAnsmitter (GITA). GITA is a Green bipropellant CubeSat propulsion unit.

TakeMe2Space’s Radiation Shielding Experiment:

• TakeMe2Space, headquartered in Hyderabad, will conduct experiments with its Radiation Shielding Experimental Module (RSEM). The module is designed to assess the effectiveness of Tantalum coating in increasing the lifespan of a CubeSat.

Isro’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM):

• The experiments will be housed on the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket, known as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM). The POEM facilitates in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform.
• Apart from the startups, other research institutions, including the Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT) developed by Thiruvananthapuram-based LBS Institute of Technology for Women, will have payloads onboard POEM. The payloads will be placed in a low earth orbit to carry out various experiments.
• The mission also includes payloads from Mumbai-based KJ Somaiya Institute of Technology and ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), featuring technologies like Fuel Cell Power System (FCPS) and Silicon-based High Energy Cell.
• Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory will contribute the Dust Experiment (DEX), designed to measure the interplanetary dust count.

The upcoming mission signifies the collaborative efforts of space startups and research institutions in advancing space technology and experimentation. The experiments conducted will contribute valuable insights to various aspects of space exploration and satellite technologies.