Dhruva Space to launch LEAP-TD mission aboard Isro's PSLV tomorrow

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space said it will launch its LEAP-TD satellite Monday morning aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation's PSLV-C58 rocket from Sriharikota.

‍The LEAP-TD (Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads - Technology Demonstrator) mission features a derivative of the company’s P-30 satellite platform integrated to ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which allows in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform.

The mission aims to validate the functionality and robustness of the P-30 platform and its various subsystems in orbit, Dhruva Space said.


The company will be collaborating with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, for carrying out telemetry, tracking and command activities.

The LEAP initiative will then transition into full-fledged hosted payload solutions for space missions, it said.

A hosted payload service comprises a portion of a satellite, such as a sensor, instrument or a set of communications transponders that are owned by an entity other than the primary satellite operator.

The hosted portion operates independently of the main spacecraft, but shares the satellite’s power supply, transponders, and in some cases, ground systems.

"The LEAP initiative underscores our commitment to delivering full-stack and hosted payload solutions to our customers. This will be enriched by new, upcoming pursuits in the fields of earth observation, IoT solutions, and more," said Sanjay Nekkanti, chief executive, Dhruva Space.

Nanosatellites are often employed in low-earth-orbit missions which are dynamic with respect to attitude control. Therefore, reorientation of the spacecraft in relation to the Earth and the Sun is crucial.

One of the key components in P-30 is a reaction wheel from French strategic equipment supplier Comat, with whom Dhruva Space officialised a partnership in February last year.

Typically, satellites are integrated with four reaction wheels for three-axis stabilisation, to generate internal torque, enable high-precision pointing, and to maintain power efficiency.