Ibadan, 4 January 2024. – Dhruva Space has announced the successful Space-qualification of its P30 Satellite Platform launched as ‘Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads – Technology Demonstrator’ (LEAP-TD) Payload onboard ISRO’s PSLV-C58 POEM-3 mission. The launch took place at 09:10 IST on 01 January 2024 from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.
The LEAP-TD mission featured a derivative of the Dhruva Space P-30 satellite platform integrated into ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module 3 (POEM-3). The platform subsequently enabled in-orbit scientific experiments using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform. POEM has standard interfaces and packages for power generation, telemetry, telecommand, stabilization, orbit keeping and orbit manoeuvring. As a result, it is useful for designing, developing and validating experimental payloads.
This mission also validated the P-30 platform and its various subsystems in orbit. These subsystems include the onboard computer, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) TT&C Module, and Beacon in UHF. It also included an Attitude Control System with a Reaction Wheel from Comat and Power Distribution Board. The triumph of this mission was confirmed by the way of reception of Telemetry and beacon data at the Ground Station of the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Trivandrum, and through the data received from the POEM platform itself as well.
Speaking on the launch, Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Chief Operations Officer, commented, “The Dhruva Space team has worked diligently to develop and test the P-30 nanosatellite technology indigenously, and the success of the LEAP-TD mission is a testament to their hard work and dedication.” Likewise, Sanjay Nekkanti, added, “The success of the LEAP-TD mission demonstrates collaboration across the Indian Government and industry partners to advance the paradigm in Space Technology. “