Key Takeaways
- Dhruva Space plans to expand its orbital reach with the Polar Access-1 (PA-1) mission, scheduled for launch on January 12 via ISRO’s PSLV-C62.
- The mission includes the development of several satellites, enhancing communication, environmental monitoring, and education across multiple states and countries.
- Notable projects include Nepal’s first satellite and satellite missions from Odisha and Assam, part of the ASTRA initiative aimed at building local space technology capabilities.
Expansion of Dhruva Space’s Orbital Mission
City-based space start-up Dhruva Space is set to enhance its orbital presence with the upcoming Polar Access-1 (PA-1) mission, launching on January 12 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This mission will enable a total of 10 space operations, facilitated by ISRO’s PSLV-C62.
The PA-1 mission encompasses a diverse range of initiatives, including satellite delivery, deployment systems, ground stations, and operational support, benefitting six Indian states and two international locations. The payload entails a space-qualified stack comprising four satellites along with five separation systems. This setup aims to bolster communications, environmental monitoring, education, and commercial Earth observation efforts.
One significant project within this initiative is Nepal’s first satellite mission, developed collaboratively by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN). This Earth observation and technology demonstration satellite will focus on mapping vegetation density to aid environmental research, with support facilitated through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)-ISRO.
Odisha’s CGUSAT-1, crafted in partnership with CV Raman Global University (Bhubaneswar), marks the state’s inaugural satellite mission. Utilizing Dhruva Space’s P-DoT satellite platform, it aims to showcase store-and-forward communications, which are crucial for disaster response.
Karnataka’s DSAT-1, developed in collaboration with Dayananda Sagar University (Bengaluru), is designed to facilitate two-way amateur-band communications and telemetry. The Northeast region will also celebrate a milestone with Assam’s LACHIT-1, a pioneering satellite mission from the region, developed in cooperation with Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU).
These university-led missions are part of Dhruva Space’s ASTRA (Accelerated Space Technology Readiness & Access) initiative. This program aims to enhance long-term space technology capabilities at the state level by integrating P-DoT satellite platforms, creating spacecraft with DSOD-1U separation systems for compatibility with launch vehicles, and establishing campus-based ground stations for ongoing mission operations.
PA-1 further includes THYBOLT-3, a satellite mission initiated by Dhruva Space that will demonstrate a satellite-enabled disaster communication network based on amateur radio. The missions will be available to amateur radio operators around the globe, as stated in a recent press release by the company.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.
