Bengaluru: In a significant development aimed at bolstering the involvement of the private sector in India’s space industry, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially transferred the IMS-1 Satellite Bus Technology to Dhruva Space. This crucial handover was carried out via NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.
The U R Rao Satellite Centre under ISRO developed this technology to offer affordable access to space. The transfer ceremony took place at NSIL headquarters, signifying a significant milestone in advancing India’s technological self-reliance in the space sector.
The IMS-1 satellite bus is a versatile platform that can function as a dedicated vehicle for various payloads. It enables a wide range of missions, including Earth imaging, ocean and atmospheric studies, microwave remote sensing, and space science missions.
With a weight of approximately 100 kg, the IMS-1 bus has the capacity to accommodate a payload weighing up to 30 kg. It is equipped with high-efficiency solar arrays, capable of generating 330 W of power. Additionally, the bus offers a 3-axis stabilization system, utilizing four reaction wheels for precise maneuvering. To ensure accurate pointing, a 1 Newton thruster is employed.
In order to support India’s industrial growth and technological self-reliance, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made the technology used in previous missions like IMS-1, Youthsat, and Microsat-2D available to the private sector.
The transfer of this technology will allow private companies to contribute to space research and exploration, in alignment with India’s vision to expand its presence in the global space market. This development is a significant step towards fostering innovation and collaboration in the space sector, and it opens up new avenues for private players to play a role in space research and exploration.
