Four start-ups to launch experiments on board ISRO's PSLV-C58 flight

Four Indian space startups are set to launch their payloads to demonstrate microsatellite subsystems, thrusters or small engines that keep satellites in desired orbits, and radiation shield coating for satellites on board ISRO’s PSLV-C58 mission on Monday.

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space will validate the functionality and robustness of the P-30 nanosatellite platform and its various subsystems in-orbit as part of ’Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads – Technology Demonstrator’ (LEAP-TD) payload on the PSLV-C58 mission that will launch the XPoSat satellite.

”The LEAP initiative of Dhruva Space marks a significant moment, underscoring our commitment to delivering full-stack and hosted payload solutions to our customers. This will be further enriched by new, upcoming pursuits in the fields of Earth Observation, IoT solutions, and more,” Sanjay Nekkanti, Chief Executive Officer, Dhruva Space said.

The payloads of the space-tech start-ups and other research institutions will be housed on the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket that will be placed in a low earth orbit for carrying out various experiments. ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) allows in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform. Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace will test its Rudra 0.3 HPGP, a green monopropellant thruster and ARKA-200, a heater-less hollow cathode for Hall thrusters. Bengaluru-based Bellatrix Aerospace will test its Rudra 0.3 HPGP, a green monopropellant thruster and ARKA-200, a heater-less hollow cathode for Hall thrusters.