Dhruva Space’s Thybolt Satellites Complete 15,000 Orbits

Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based space tech startup, has successfully completed its maiden mission with the Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2 satellites. These satellites have securely deorbited after completing 15,000 orbits around Earth. Launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV C54 in November 2022, this achievement marks a significant milestone for the company.

Payload and Platform

The Thybolt satellites carried a Store-and-Forward payload, designed to receive messages from sensor nodes or remote ground stations. The satellites were built using Dhruva Space’s P-DoT platform, a picosatellite platform for satellites weighing between 1-24 kg. Dhruva Space also developed the P30 nanosatellite platform (1-30 kg) and the P90 platform (up to 300 kg). These satellites were entirely constructed in Hyderabad with the help of around 20 MSMEs.

Future Missions and Developments

Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Dhruva Space, highlighted the advancements enabled by the in-house developed P-DoT platform in research, constellation development, and application-agnostic use by customers. Dhruva Space is now focusing on its first hosted payload mission, LEAP-1, scheduled to launch later this year via ISRO. This mission will utilize the P-30 nanosatellite, space-qualified via ISRO’s PSLV C58 POEM-3 on January 1, 2024, through the LEAP-TD mission.

Company Background and Funding

Founded 12 years ago by Sanjay Nekkanti, Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Abhay Egoor, and Chaitanya Dora Supureddy, Dhruva Space specializes in creating satellite infrastructure and platforms compatible with any rocket and payload, operable from ground stations worldwide. In April, Dhruva Space raised approximately $9.3 million (Rs 78 crore) from investors like Indian Angel Network Alpha Fund and Blue Ashva Capital, bringing its Series A funding to about $14 million (Rs 123 crore). These funds will support the establishment of a 280,000 sq-ft satellite manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, as well as acquisitions and product improvements.

Government Support and Industry Growth

This fundraising aligns with the Indian government’s policy push to open up the private space sector, reflecting the growing value of India’s space economy, which IN-SPACe estimates will reach $44 billion by 2023. The new facility and funds will enhance Dhruva Space’s manufacturing capabilities and expand its product offerings.

Dhruva Space’s Thybolt Satellites : Key points

Mission Success: Thybolt-1 and Thybolt-2 completed 15,000 orbits and successfully deorbited.

Launch Details: Launched on ISRO’s PSLV C54 in November 2022.

Payload: Equipped with a Store-and-Forward payload for receiving messages from sensor nodes or remote ground stations.

Satellite Platforms: Built on the P-DoT platform (1-24 kg); Dhruva Space also has P30 (1-30 kg) and P90 (up to 300 kg) platforms.

Manufacturing: Satellites entirely built in Hyderabad with the help of 20 MSMEs.

Future Missions: Preparing for LEAP-1 mission later this year, using the P-30 nanosatellite platform.

Company Background: Founded by Sanjay Nekkanti, Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Abhay Egoor, and Chaitanya Dora Supureddy.

Funding: Raised $9.3 million (Rs 78 crore) in April, totaling $14 million (Rs 123 crore) in Series A funding.

Expansion Plans: Funds will support a new 280,000 sq-ft satellite manufacturing facility in Hyderabad and enhance product offerings.

Industry Growth: Supported by government policies, India’s space economy is expected to reach $44 billion by 2023.