Indian Space Industry : Updates & Discussions
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🚀 Max innovation. 🤝 Max synergy.
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) August 9, 2024
A. Rajarajan, Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), takes an up-close look at our cutting-edge carbon composite manufacturing process during a visit to our MAX-Q Campus.
Skyroot is grateful for the opportunity to provide him… pic.twitter.com/93MvweCsaS
Indian space startup Manastu AeroSpace, , successfully conducted the 1st test firing of their 300N-class thrust hydrogen peroxide engine at lower combustion efficiency.
— Varun Karthikeyan (@Varun55484761) August 10, 2024
Major milestone achieved for their Auxiliary Propulsion System project in collaboration with Latitude. pic.twitter.com/Sgh7XiYYM5
BEML Delivers Light Alloy Structures For LVM3 Programme
This event marks a pivotal moment in BEML’s ongoing partnership with India’s space initiatives, BEML said in a statement.
By PTI
09 Aug 2024, 12:23 AM IST
Public sector unit BEML Ltd on Thursday delivered light alloy structures for the LVM3 program to Indian Space Research Organization.
BEML's Director (Defence), Ajit Kumar Srivastav, handed over the light alloy structures to Unnikrishnan Nair S, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, at BEML’s Aerospace hangar in Bengaluru.
This event marks a pivotal moment in BEML’s ongoing partnership with India’s space initiatives, BEML said in a statement.
"BEML’s Aerospace division has consistently demonstrated its expertise in manufacturing and delivering high-quality light alloy structures for ISRO’s various space programs. This division has been instrumental in fabricating critical components, including the Retro Motor Casings for the PSLV program in 2018 and the Strap-on Base Shroud structure for the Launch Vehicle Mk-3 in 2023," BEML said.
It said that the BEML has established a state-of-the-art Aerospace hangar at its Bengaluru Complex, which is equipped with advanced jigs, fixtures, and metrology instruments necessary for the fabrication of light alloy structures.
BEML Delivers Light Alloy Structures For LVM3 Programme
Mission: Eyes in the Sky! Skyroot Aerospace signs an MOU with Nibe Space Private Limited, a subsidiary of @Nibe_Limited, to launch their constellation of Earth Observation Satellites. The planned constellation will comprise 40 satellites and provide high-resolution imagery for… pic.twitter.com/iAir7dgoiw
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) September 9, 2024
SpaceFields successfully fires India's first aerospike rocket engine
India Today Science Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Sep 11, 2024, 14:12 IST
Aerospike engines are unique because they adjust to different altitudes, maintaining efficiency regardless of atmospheric pressure.
SpaceFields, a startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has successfully tested India’s first aerospike rocket engine. The test took place at the IISc Propulsion Test Facility in Challakere, Chitradurga district.
In 2022 the company unveiled 3 solid rocket engines manufactured out of aerospace grade Titanium, Aluminum and Stainless Steel.
The aerospike engine, 168 mm in size, was ignited during a static test. Initially, the engine showed some instability but soon achieved steady combustion. The test used a special composite propellant and recorded a maximum pressure of 11 bar, producing a peak thrust of 2000 Newtons.
In total, the engine generated 54,485.9 Newton-seconds of impulse, a key measure of performance.
SpaceFields used Titanium grade 5 as the main material for the engine, with their patented thermal insulation to protect it from the high temperatures. This innovative design is part of the company’s efforts to push the boundaries of rocket technology.
View attachment Spacefields aerospike manufacturing.mp4
Aerospike engines are unique because they adjust to different altitudes, maintaining efficiency regardless of atmospheric pressure.
This feature makes them more efficient than traditional rocket engines, potentially reducing the need for extra stages and cutting fuel consumption during space missions.
This successful test is an important step for India’s space technology. It places SpaceFields as a leader in next-generation rocket development. With the global space industry advancing rapidly, innovations like the aerospike engine could improve the performance and cost-efficiency of future space launches.
SpaceFields is developing a fleet of Small-Lift Launch Vehicles gearing to provide Commercial Orbital Launch-On-Demand Services. Source: SpaceFields twiter.
This milestone also highlights the growing strength of partnerships between academia and industry in India. As SpaceFields continues to improve their engine, it could lead to significant changes in how India approaches space exploration, making access to space more affordable and efficient.
SpaceFields successfully fires India's first aerospike rocket engine
India Today Science Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Sep 11, 2024, 14:12 IST
Aerospike engines are unique because they adjust to different altitudes, maintaining efficiency regardless of atmospheric pressure.
SpaceFields, a startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has successfully tested India’s first aerospike rocket engine. The test took place at the IISc Propulsion Test Facility in Challakere, Chitradurga district.
In 2022 the company unveiled 3 solid rocket engines manufactured out of aerospace grade Titanium, Aluminum and Stainless Steel.
The aerospike engine, 168 mm in size, was ignited during a static test. Initially, the engine showed some instability but soon achieved steady combustion. The test used a special composite propellant and recorded a maximum pressure of 11 bar, producing a peak thrust of 2000 Newtons.
In total, the engine generated 54,485.9 Newton-seconds of impulse, a key measure of performance.
SpaceFields used Titanium grade 5 as the main material for the engine, with their patented thermal insulation to protect it from the high temperatures. This innovative design is part of the company’s efforts to push the boundaries of rocket technology.
View attachment Spacefields aerospike manufacturing.mp4
Aerospike engines are unique because they adjust to different altitudes, maintaining efficiency regardless of atmospheric pressure.
This feature makes them more efficient than traditional rocket engines, potentially reducing the need for extra stages and cutting fuel consumption during space missions.
This successful test is an important step for India’s space technology. It places SpaceFields as a leader in next-generation rocket development. With the global space industry advancing rapidly, innovations like the aerospike engine could improve the performance and cost-efficiency of future space launches.
SpaceFields is developing a fleet of Small-Lift Launch Vehicles gearing to provide Commercial Orbital Launch-On-Demand Services. Source: SpaceFields twiter.
This milestone also highlights the growing strength of partnerships between academia and industry in India. As SpaceFields continues to improve their engine, it could lead to significant changes in how India approaches space exploration, making access to space more affordable and efficient.
SpaceFields successfully fires India's first aerospike rocket engine
Indian space startup SpanTrik is developing a 5kN LOX/LNG engine named "Eureka":
Eureka is a pressure fed regeneratively cooled engine. This engine will power the "LEAPFROGGER" platform shown below:
The "LEAPFROGGER" platform will be the company's sub-scale VTVL test platform.
They wanted to do the first flight tests by 2024. Though that seems difficult now.
Eventually they plan to develop a fully reusable medium lift rocket:
Eureka is a pressure fed regeneratively cooled engine. This engine will power the "LEAPFROGGER" platform shown below:
The "LEAPFROGGER" platform will be the company's sub-scale VTVL test platform.
They wanted to do the first flight tests by 2024. Though that seems difficult now.
Eventually they plan to develop a fully reusable medium lift rocket:
For those who are interested:
— Indranil Roy (@Indrani1_Roy) October 15, 2024
SSLV: $8000
PSLV: $8750
GSLV: $8600
LVM3: $7000
LVM3 (SC120+C32): $4400
NGLV (projected 2033): $1900 (reusable), $3000 (expendable) https://t.co/AOk0cpYKXz pic.twitter.com/zw2wMIOGcA
Pixxel Space's "Firefly" Hyperspectral Earth imaging satellite:
Pixel's satellites so far are based on ISRO's Microsat bus or ISISpace's 6U bus. The company has launched 2 of these satellites already. They are planning for a constellation of 36 Firefly sats in total. Each satellite will have life of 5 years.
Pixel's satellites so far are based on ISRO's Microsat bus or ISISpace's 6U bus. The company has launched 2 of these satellites already. They are planning for a constellation of 36 Firefly sats in total. Each satellite will have life of 5 years.
L&T eyes aerospace expansion to ride India's $44 billion private space market push
By Nivedita Bhattacharjee
November 1, 20246:59 AM GMT+5:30
Updated 13 hours ago
A logo of Larsen and Toubro (L&T) is pictured outside its corporate office in Mumbai, India May 25, 2016. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights.
BENGALURU, Oct 31 (Reuters)- Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) (LART.NS), India's largest private-sector defense manufacturer by revenue, is looking to ramp up its aerospace division to strengthen its foothold in the country's burgeoning private space sector, a senior executive said on Thursday.
The move follows the government's recent efforts to open its space industry - traditionally led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) - to private firms. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and Aditya-L1 solar mission has created new opportunities for companies with advanced engineering capabilities.
"We clearly see an economy growing out there. How fast it will grow and where the contours will be hard to predict, but what we can say for sure is that we are going to leverage our 50 years of relationship with ISRO for manufacturing launch vehicles," said AT Ramchandani, senior vice president and head of L&T's Precision Engineering & Systems.
Details of L&T's expansion plans have not yet been made public. With private firms now eligible to design, build, and operate launch services, companies such as L&T are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for commercial satellite launches.
India expects its commercial space industry to be worth $44 billion within the decade and is encouraging private companies to invest in the sector.
L&T has long been involved in building key components for Indian missiles, Mars and lunar missions, satellites and artillery.
It is currently manufacturing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), a mainstay of ISRO's satellite launch program, through a consortium with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HIAE.NS).
The first launch of the privately built PSLV is due in early 2025, with each rocket costing around 2 billion rupees ($23.8 million), Ramchandani said.
India's plan to privatize its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program — aimed at providing cost-effective launch solutions for smaller payloads of up to 500 kgs — has also drawn interest from L&T and others.
"The whole idea of SSLV is that you should be able to do about 12 launches in a year. Beyond this, potential exists for scaling up to a launch in every 15 days," Ramchandani said, adding that at about $15,000 per kg, it will be a cost-effective launch choice.
Analysts at Polaris Market Research expect the global space launch services market to grow to $43.94 billion by 2032, up from $13.63 billion in 2022.
Ramchandani did not comment on the projected market size for L&T or the specific investment in the scale-up but said that the company aims to be frugal.
"We have adequate land and aerospace manufacturing facilities already in place. There is a good degree of expertise, which can be further enhanced as required," Ramchandani said.
"Actual investments will depend on how fast the technology matures, how many customers we are able to attract and how efficiently we are able to produce," he added.
L&T's Precision Engineering and Systems (PES) unit posted revenue of 46.10 billion rupees ($548.3 million) in FY2024, up 41% from the previous year. The sprawling conglomerate, with operations across construction, infrastructure and technology, reported a consolidated revenue of 2.21 trillion rupees ($26.29 billion) in the same period.
Shares closed 6% higher a day after the company posted its second-quarter results and maintained its full-year orders forecast.
https://www.reuters.com/world/india...-44-bln-private-space-market-push-2024-10-31/
By Nivedita Bhattacharjee
November 1, 20246:59 AM GMT+5:30
Updated 13 hours ago
A logo of Larsen and Toubro (L&T) is pictured outside its corporate office in Mumbai, India May 25, 2016. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights.
BENGALURU, Oct 31 (Reuters)- Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) (LART.NS), India's largest private-sector defense manufacturer by revenue, is looking to ramp up its aerospace division to strengthen its foothold in the country's burgeoning private space sector, a senior executive said on Thursday.
The move follows the government's recent efforts to open its space industry - traditionally led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) - to private firms. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and Aditya-L1 solar mission has created new opportunities for companies with advanced engineering capabilities.
"We clearly see an economy growing out there. How fast it will grow and where the contours will be hard to predict, but what we can say for sure is that we are going to leverage our 50 years of relationship with ISRO for manufacturing launch vehicles," said AT Ramchandani, senior vice president and head of L&T's Precision Engineering & Systems.
Details of L&T's expansion plans have not yet been made public. With private firms now eligible to design, build, and operate launch services, companies such as L&T are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for commercial satellite launches.
India expects its commercial space industry to be worth $44 billion within the decade and is encouraging private companies to invest in the sector.
L&T has long been involved in building key components for Indian missiles, Mars and lunar missions, satellites and artillery.
It is currently manufacturing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), a mainstay of ISRO's satellite launch program, through a consortium with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HIAE.NS).
The first launch of the privately built PSLV is due in early 2025, with each rocket costing around 2 billion rupees ($23.8 million), Ramchandani said.
India's plan to privatize its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) program — aimed at providing cost-effective launch solutions for smaller payloads of up to 500 kgs — has also drawn interest from L&T and others.
"The whole idea of SSLV is that you should be able to do about 12 launches in a year. Beyond this, potential exists for scaling up to a launch in every 15 days," Ramchandani said, adding that at about $15,000 per kg, it will be a cost-effective launch choice.
Analysts at Polaris Market Research expect the global space launch services market to grow to $43.94 billion by 2032, up from $13.63 billion in 2022.
Ramchandani did not comment on the projected market size for L&T or the specific investment in the scale-up but said that the company aims to be frugal.
"We have adequate land and aerospace manufacturing facilities already in place. There is a good degree of expertise, which can be further enhanced as required," Ramchandani said.
"Actual investments will depend on how fast the technology matures, how many customers we are able to attract and how efficiently we are able to produce," he added.
L&T's Precision Engineering and Systems (PES) unit posted revenue of 46.10 billion rupees ($548.3 million) in FY2024, up 41% from the previous year. The sprawling conglomerate, with operations across construction, infrastructure and technology, reported a consolidated revenue of 2.21 trillion rupees ($26.29 billion) in the same period.
Shares closed 6% higher a day after the company posted its second-quarter results and maintained its full-year orders forecast.
https://www.reuters.com/world/india...-44-bln-private-space-market-push-2024-10-31/
About a year ago I was second investor in a brand-new satellite startup in India 🇮🇳
— Andreas Klinger 🦾 (@andreasklinger) November 1, 2024
A year later they are already sending up their first prototype to space. If everything goes well their satellite fleet will soon follow and customers are lined up.
No idea how the founders do… pic.twitter.com/zkLxbCMBBx
PierSight: SAR + ASI satellites for maritime surveillance
Presenting to you "The Fireflies".
— Awais Ahmed (@awaisahmedna) November 5, 2024
Pixxel's flagship commercial satellites and the highest resolution truly hyperspectral satellite constellation.
5 meter native resolution from 550 km altitude. 150+ available wavelenghts of light.
6 launching soon. Global access. Daily… pic.twitter.com/nHem4VcG4x
US-based Axiom Space explores using Indian rockets for space mission
Reuters
Last Updated: Nov 05, 2024, 01:53:00 PM IST
US-based Axiom Space is exploring using Indian launch vehicles to support its International Space Station (ISS) mission, a senior executive said on Tuesday.
Axiom Space is one of the few companies constructing a private space station, intended to eventually replace the International Space Station (ISS), which the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) expects to retire around 2030.
Pearly Pandya, director of Axiom's international government business, said that while contracts had not been signed yet, the startup was in talks with India's space agency, ISRO, and India's private launch companies to explore the best fit for its missions and to diversify its supply chain.
"It could be to transport raw materials as we develop our space station," Pandya said, speaking at an industry event.
The company is also in talks with European nations for its supply chain, she added.
The move comes after India and the United States entered into a Space Flight Agreement in August to work alongside Axiom's upcoming mission to the ISS.
Earlier this year, India opened its space sector to private players and created a Rs.10 billion ($119 million) venture fund to support space startups.
In September, the ISRO completed the final developmental flight for its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and planned to hand its design to private companies.
At present, two Indian companies, Skyroot and Agnikul, are building the country's first privately-built rockets that can carry a payload of up to 300 kg (661 lb) into low Earth orbit.
Indian space companies have already seen an influx of funding - $126 million in 2023, which was up 7% from the $118 million raised in 2022 and a 235% increase from the $37.6 million raised in 2021, according to Tracxn data.
But India only has a market share of about 2% in commercial space activities and demand is still largely dependent on global clients, while well-established companies in U.S., Russia and China are formidable rivals.
US-based Axiom Space explores using Indian rockets for space mission
Reuters
Last Updated: Nov 05, 2024, 01:53:00 PM IST
Synopsis
US-based Axiom Space is considering Indian launch vehicles for its private space station project. The company is in talks with ISRO and Indian private space companies to potentially transport materials and diversify its supply chain. This follows a recent US-India space agreement and India's opening of its space sector to private companies, leading to increased funding for Indian space startups.
US-based Axiom Space is considering Indian launch vehicles for its private space station project. The company is in talks with ISRO and Indian private space companies to potentially transport materials and diversify its supply chain. This follows a recent US-India space agreement and India's opening of its space sector to private companies, leading to increased funding for Indian space startups.
US-based Axiom Space is exploring using Indian launch vehicles to support its International Space Station (ISS) mission, a senior executive said on Tuesday.
Axiom Space is one of the few companies constructing a private space station, intended to eventually replace the International Space Station (ISS), which the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) expects to retire around 2030.
Pearly Pandya, director of Axiom's international government business, said that while contracts had not been signed yet, the startup was in talks with India's space agency, ISRO, and India's private launch companies to explore the best fit for its missions and to diversify its supply chain.
"It could be to transport raw materials as we develop our space station," Pandya said, speaking at an industry event.
The company is also in talks with European nations for its supply chain, she added.
The move comes after India and the United States entered into a Space Flight Agreement in August to work alongside Axiom's upcoming mission to the ISS.
Earlier this year, India opened its space sector to private players and created a Rs.10 billion ($119 million) venture fund to support space startups.
In September, the ISRO completed the final developmental flight for its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and planned to hand its design to private companies.
At present, two Indian companies, Skyroot and Agnikul, are building the country's first privately-built rockets that can carry a payload of up to 300 kg (661 lb) into low Earth orbit.
Indian space companies have already seen an influx of funding - $126 million in 2023, which was up 7% from the $118 million raised in 2022 and a 235% increase from the $37.6 million raised in 2021, according to Tracxn data.
But India only has a market share of about 2% in commercial space activities and demand is still largely dependent on global clients, while well-established companies in U.S., Russia and China are formidable rivals.
US-based Axiom Space explores using Indian rockets for space mission
ISRO chief S Somanath calls on big industries to build space companies in India
The ISRO chairman said that India must build leading space companies, not just service providers
By Aihik Sur
November 05, 2024 / 14:22 IST
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath called on major industries to invest in space infrastructure manufacturing, stressing the need to build leading space companies in India.
While the country has done well in the downstream sector, focused on space applications, Somanath highlighted India's lag in the upstream segment, which focuses on the manufacturing of space hardware, propulsion systems, and space exploration.
"The challenges in the upstream side, building big platforms, building rockets and launching them remains very elusive primarily because of the higher investment required, the technology risks, the possibility of failures, recovery," Somanath said, speaking on the inaugural day of the Indian Space Association's third India Space Conclave.
"There are industries and startups happening but their ability to scale up to a level, become competitive enough to challenge established players remains to be seen. Here is where the roles of bigger industry houses in India need to come in," he added.
Somanath's call for India's major industries to invest in upstream space infrastructure resonates globally, as India seeks to bridge the gap with international players like SpaceX, whose success in launching reusable rockets and achieving cost-effective space missions has transformed the sector.
While India’s strength has traditionally been in downstream applications, such as satellite technology and data services, Somanath highlights that achieving similar prowess in manufacturing rockets and space platforms is essential to becoming globally competitive.
"India is not void of any big houses having enough capability to invest and create as much as others are there in the world. But they need to take the plunge, possibly alone or in a very cooperative mode with others where there are skills in various areas," Somanath said.
"If they can join together to create that capability, we will be all the more happy to associate and support to create that capability in India," the ISRO chief said.
"We need to create leading space companies in India, not just service providing companies. (We need to create space companies) who have the ability to design, conceive, manufacture and put up competitive, cost-competitive products in front of the world," he added.
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/i...viders-isro-chairman-s-somanath-12858575.html
The ISRO chairman said that India must build leading space companies, not just service providers
By Aihik Sur
November 05, 2024 / 14:22 IST
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath called on major industries to invest in space infrastructure manufacturing, stressing the need to build leading space companies in India.
While the country has done well in the downstream sector, focused on space applications, Somanath highlighted India's lag in the upstream segment, which focuses on the manufacturing of space hardware, propulsion systems, and space exploration.
"The challenges in the upstream side, building big platforms, building rockets and launching them remains very elusive primarily because of the higher investment required, the technology risks, the possibility of failures, recovery," Somanath said, speaking on the inaugural day of the Indian Space Association's third India Space Conclave.
"There are industries and startups happening but their ability to scale up to a level, become competitive enough to challenge established players remains to be seen. Here is where the roles of bigger industry houses in India need to come in," he added.
Somanath's call for India's major industries to invest in upstream space infrastructure resonates globally, as India seeks to bridge the gap with international players like SpaceX, whose success in launching reusable rockets and achieving cost-effective space missions has transformed the sector.
While India’s strength has traditionally been in downstream applications, such as satellite technology and data services, Somanath highlights that achieving similar prowess in manufacturing rockets and space platforms is essential to becoming globally competitive.
"India is not void of any big houses having enough capability to invest and create as much as others are there in the world. But they need to take the plunge, possibly alone or in a very cooperative mode with others where there are skills in various areas," Somanath said.
"If they can join together to create that capability, we will be all the more happy to associate and support to create that capability in India," the ISRO chief said.
"We need to create leading space companies in India, not just service providing companies. (We need to create space companies) who have the ability to design, conceive, manufacture and put up competitive, cost-competitive products in front of the world," he added.
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/i...viders-isro-chairman-s-somanath-12858575.html
Designed for the upper stage of the Razor Crest Mk-1, Pegasus is India’s first reusable rocket engine, and India’s most powerful privately developed semi-cryogenic thrust-chamber assembly (40kN); yet.
Ethereal Exploration Guild on LinkedIn: The purity of Pegasus, infused with the subversive spirit of the Guild… | 20 comments
The purity of Pegasus, infused with the subversive spirit of the Guild, presents the Pegasus Mk-1. Designed for the upper stage of the Razor Crest Mk-1… | 20 comments on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com
Vikram-1's maiden flight in 2025:
From blueprint to reality! ✨
— Skyroot Aerospace (@SkyrootA) December 7, 2024
The carbon composite structures of Vikram-1 -- from interstages to payload fairing -- now stand ready at our MAX-Q Campus. 🚀
From design to manufacturing, these critical systems have been brought to life by a dedicated team on a mission. 🛠️… pic.twitter.com/kc2PIsII3Z
Japan, India startups to study laser-equipped satellite to tackle space debris
By Kantaro Komiya
December 17, 202411:53 AM GMT+5:30
Updated 4 days ago
A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration taken November 25, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo.
Summary:
Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity said they would study business opportunities for in-space services such as de-orbiting a defunct satellite and extending a spacecraft's life.
Carved out from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, Orbital Lasers is building a system that will use laser energy to stop the rotation of space junk by vaporizing small parts of its surface, making it easier for a servicing spacecraft to rendezvous.
Orbital Lasers plans to demonstrate the system in space and supply it to operators after 2027, said Aditya Baraskar, the company's global business lead. It can be mounted on InspeCity satellites if the companies clear regulatory requirements in India and Japan, Baraskar added.
The companies said they had signed a preliminary agreement to initiate the collaboration. InspeCity was founded in 2022 and raised $1.5 million last year, while Orbital Lasers has raised 900 million yen ($5.8 million) since it was established in January.
A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination in late October said that urgent action was necessary to track and manage objects in low Earth orbit because of the rapid increase in satellites and space junk.
There are already more than 100 companies in the space servicing market as satellite constellations expand, Nobu Okada, chief executive of Japanese debris mitigation pioneer Astroscale, said earlier this year.
The project is the latest example of collaboration between Japan and India, whose governments are working together on the joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026.
Indian rocket maker Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are also working with Japanese moon exploration firm ispace on a future lunar orbiter mission.
The two countries' commercial space tie-ups have been driven by Japanese satellite data solutions for India's disaster management and agriculture, and can expand to more fields such as manufacturing, said Masayasu Ishida, chief executive of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, which has hosted space business conferences since 2015.
"The key is finding where and how to build complementary relationships" that align with national policies such as Make in India, which aims to boost local production, Ishida said.
https://www.reuters.com/science/jap...ped-satellite-tackle-space-debris-2024-12-17/
By Kantaro Komiya
December 17, 202411:53 AM GMT+5:30
Updated 4 days ago
A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration taken November 25, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo.
Summary:
- Orbital Lasers and InspeCity to collaborate on in-space services
- Laser demonstration in space planned after 2027
- United Nations warned in October of risks of space junk
Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity said they would study business opportunities for in-space services such as de-orbiting a defunct satellite and extending a spacecraft's life.
Carved out from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, Orbital Lasers is building a system that will use laser energy to stop the rotation of space junk by vaporizing small parts of its surface, making it easier for a servicing spacecraft to rendezvous.
Orbital Lasers plans to demonstrate the system in space and supply it to operators after 2027, said Aditya Baraskar, the company's global business lead. It can be mounted on InspeCity satellites if the companies clear regulatory requirements in India and Japan, Baraskar added.
The companies said they had signed a preliminary agreement to initiate the collaboration. InspeCity was founded in 2022 and raised $1.5 million last year, while Orbital Lasers has raised 900 million yen ($5.8 million) since it was established in January.
A United Nations panel on space traffic coordination in late October said that urgent action was necessary to track and manage objects in low Earth orbit because of the rapid increase in satellites and space junk.
There are already more than 100 companies in the space servicing market as satellite constellations expand, Nobu Okada, chief executive of Japanese debris mitigation pioneer Astroscale, said earlier this year.
The project is the latest example of collaboration between Japan and India, whose governments are working together on the joint Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, which could launch as early as 2026.
Indian rocket maker Skyroot and satellite builder HEX20 are also working with Japanese moon exploration firm ispace on a future lunar orbiter mission.
The two countries' commercial space tie-ups have been driven by Japanese satellite data solutions for India's disaster management and agriculture, and can expand to more fields such as manufacturing, said Masayasu Ishida, chief executive of Tokyo-based nonprofit SPACETIDE, which has hosted space business conferences since 2015.
"The key is finding where and how to build complementary relationships" that align with national policies such as Make in India, which aims to boost local production, Ishida said.
https://www.reuters.com/science/jap...ped-satellite-tackle-space-debris-2024-12-17/