ISRO begins technology transfer to private Indian players

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) as a part of enabling private players to develop space technologies by facilitating and extending the expertise has begun the transfer of Satellite Bus Technology to private players.

As yet another step in enhancing private industry participation in the Indian space sector, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, facilitated the technology transfer through an agreement signed during an event held at the NSIL headquarters on August 2, 2023. 

This transfer marks the beginning of satellite-bus technologies developed by ISRO being transferred to private industries. Further, the PSLV is under product ionisation by a consortium of industries. ISRO has been enabling private players to develop Space technologies by facilitating and extending the expertise thus ensuring both the out-bound and in-bound approaches.

The Technology Transfer Documents were formally handed over by Shri. D Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL to Col. H. S. Shankar (Retd.) VSM, Chairman and Managing Director of ADTL. ADTL is one of the two private players identified to receive the transfer of this technology through the Interest Exploratory Note (IEN) published by NSIL.

The transfer process was carried out by NSIL, a wholly-owned government of India company, under the administrative control of the Department of Space (DOS). NSIL enables Indian industries to take up high-technology space-related activities and promotes commercial exploitation of the products and services emanating from the Indian space programme. 

The receiving partner, Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ADTL) is a leading aerospace and defence company based in India. With expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and system integration, ADTL has been a key player in various projects related to defence, space, and homeland security, contributing significantly to India's technological progress in various domains.

The IMS-1 satellite bus, developed by the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC/ ISRO), is a versatile and efficient small satellite platform designed to facilitate low-cost access to space. The bus serves as a dedicated vehicle for various payloads, enabling Earth imaging, ocean and atmospheric studies, microwave remote sensing, and space science missions while ensuring a quick turnaround time for satellite launches.

IMS-1 bus, weighing about 100 kg, accommodates a 30 kg payload. Solar arrays generate 330 W power with a raw bus voltage of 30-42 V. It offers a 3-axis stabilized with four reaction wheels with a 1 N thruster that provides +/- 0.1 degree pointing accuracy. It is a forerunner for IMS-2 bus technology, capable of improved features. IMS-1 bus is utilised in previous ISRO missions like IMS-1, Youthsat and Microsat-2D.

By transferring the IMS-1 technology to the private sector, ISRO/DoS aims to bolster India's industrial growth in the space sector and foster technological self-reliance. The development opens up new avenues for private players to contribute to space research and exploration, in line with India's vision to expand its presence in the global space market.