Indian Startups Join ISRO’s PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission

In a landmark development, Indian space technology startups Dhruva Space, Bellatrix Aerospace, and TM2Space are set to launch their payloads on the upcoming Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on January 1, 2024.

The payloads will be accommodated on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-3) during the launch scheduled at 9:10 am from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission marks ISRO’s maiden X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite endeavor.

The XPoSat mission, designed for a five-year span, will evaluate the orientation of vibrations in light waves, unraveling insights into the radiation mechanisms and geometry of celestial sources.

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space is set to showcase its LEAPTD (Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Technologies Technology Demonstrator), serving as a demonstration platform for microsatellite subsystems.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace is contributing two payloads, including the Rudra 0.3 HPGP green monopropellant thruster and ARKA 200, another thruster variant. Thrusters are vital components, functioning as engines to sustain satellites in orbit during their operational lifespan, usually spanning between 10 and 15 years.

Earlier in April 2023, Bellatrix Aerospace and Dhruva Space jointly utilized space in the POEM module of PSLV-C55 to launch their individual payloads.

Bengaluru’s TM2Space, also known as TakeMe2Space, is deploying the Radiation Shielding Experiments Module. This module aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tantalum coating in enhancing the longevity of CubeSats, a category of nanosatellites.

This significant collaboration between ISRO and private space startups underscores the growing prowess of India’s private space sector. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, noted that Indian space startups attracted over ₹1,000 crores worth of private investment since April 2023. He also highlighted the potential for India to reach a 100 billion USD space economy by 2040, as per international observers, marking a substantial growth from the current modest 8 billion USD space economy.

This venture is a testament to the collaborative efforts between ISRO and private entities, propelling India’s space exploration capabilities and positioning the country as a key player in the global space industry.