Technology Development Boards Supports Dhruva Space to Drive Space Indigenization

#SpaceIndigenization #CarbonDioxideEmissions #DhruvaSpace #SpaceStartup

“One of the crucial product offerings at Dhruva Space is the end-to-end design, engineering, assembly, integration and testing of Spacecraft Solar Arrays for manned and unmanned Space programs. One of our core capabilities has been to supply Space power solutions to large satellites as well, and we are thankful to the Technology Development Board, Department of Science and Technology, in enabling us to scale these capabilities where we have seen traction not just in India but also overseas.”- Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO, Dhruva Space

May 2024 : EcoGram, a green initiative in the form of a Biogas plant and material recovery facility, setup by Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) in Gurugram, has helped in saving 1.4 million kg of CO2 emissions. Operational since October 2022, the facility has contributed to the environment by processing 4,04,000 kg waste collected from over 2000 households, as well as the Hyundai Motor India Headquarters in Gurugram. HMIF is the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL). EcoGram is setup at a cost of INR ₹ 2.13 crore. The facility has an annual electricity generation capacity of 76 megawatt, and is currently self-sustaining with plans of supplying electricity to the grid in the near future.

As a significant step towards indigenization in the Space sector and aligning with its mission of advancing indigenous capabilities, the Technology Development Board (TDB) is has recently announced its financial support to the project titled 'Space-Grade Solar Array Fabrication and Test Facility' by Dhruva Space Private Limited, Hyderabad. TDB has sanctioned financial assistance to this space startup, demonstrating its confidence in the project's potential to drive technological advancements in the Space industry.

With TDB’s backing, Dhruva Space is undertaking an ambitious initiative to develop and commercialize Space-grade solar array fabrication and testing processes tailored for spacecraft applications. The primary objective of this project is to pioneer technological innovations in solar panel manufacturing to meet the rigorous demands of on-orbit usage.

The project entails several key innovations, including the adoption of new materials like carbon fibre and resins for substrate side IP to enhance performance and durability. It also focuses on process innovations in solar cell assembly (SCA) through novel stringing and bonding techniques. In the long-term future, Dhruva Space aims to manufacture high-efficiency solar panels using triple junction GaAs technology, targeting an efficiency of up to 30 percent. Additionally, a specialized test facility will be developed to ensure compliance and certification of space-grade solar arrays.

Furthermore, the project encompasses a series of Space-qualified processes, including substrate fabrication, precise cell welding, secure cell bonding, integration of electrical harnesses, and comprehensive testing and evaluation. Mechanical tests will cover vibration, shock, and full-panel assessments, while electrical evaluations will utilise a Large Area Pulsed Sun Simulator for thorough testing. Environmental testing will include thermo-vacuum chamber conditions and acoustic testing, with zero-gravity (Zero G) deployment simulations to assess performance in Space environments.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "We are excited to support Dhruva Space in their endeavour to develop cutting-edge Space-grade solar array technologies. This project perfectly aligns with TDB's mission to promote indigenous innovation and strengthen India's capabilities in domestic production, furthering India's commitment to becoming a global hub for advanced and cost-effective space technologies."

Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO, Dhruva Space, said, “One of the crucial product offerings at Dhruva Space is the end-to-end design, engineering, assembly, integration and testing of Spacecraft Solar Arrays for manned and unmanned Space programs. One of our core capabilities has been to supply Space power solutions to large satellites as well, and we are thankful to the Technology Development Board, Department of Science and Technology, in enabling us to scale these capabilities where we have seen traction not just in India but also overseas.”

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