Driving Indigenous Advancements: TDB Supports Dhruva Space’s Space Grade Solar Array Project
In a significant stride towards fostering indigenization within the space sector and in line with its mission to advance indigenous capabilities, the Technology Development Board (TDB) proudly announces its financial backing for the project titled “Space Grade Solar Array Fabrication and Test Facility” by M/s Dhruva Space Private Limited based in Hyderabad. This strategic move demonstrates TDB’s confidence in the project’s potential to propel technological advancements within the space industry.
Under the patronage of TDB, Dhruva Space embarks on an ambitious venture to develop and commercialize space-grade solar array fabrication and testing processes tailored specifically for spacecraft applications. The primary aim of this endeavor is to spearhead technological innovations in solar panel manufacturing to meet the stringent demands of on-orbit utilization.
The project entails several pivotal innovations, foremost among them being the adoption of cutting-edge materials such as carbon fiber and resins for substrate-side IP to augment performance and durability. Additionally, it focuses on process innovations in solar cell assembly (SCA) through the utilization of novel stringing and bonding techniques. Dhruva Space’s objective is to produce high-efficiency solar panels employing triple-junction GaAs technology, with a targeted efficiency of up to 30%. Moreover, a specialized test facility will be established to ensure compliance and certification of space-grade solar arrays.
Furthermore, the project encompasses a comprehensive array of space-qualified processes, including substrate fabrication, precise cell welding, secure cell bonding, integration of electrical harnesses, and meticulous testing and evaluation procedures. Mechanical tests will encompass vibration, shock, and full-panel assessments, while electrical evaluations will utilize a Large Area Pulsed Sun Simulator for rigorous testing. Environmental testing will encompass thermo-vacuum chamber conditions and acoustic testing, with simulations of zero-gravity (Zero G) deployment to evaluate performance in space environments.
Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to support M/s Dhruva Space in their endeavor to develop cutting-edge space-grade solar array technologies. This project perfectly aligns with TDB’s mission to promote indigenous innovation and strengthen India’s capabilities in domestic production, furthering India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for advanced and cost-effective space technologies.”
Shri Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Dhruva Space, expressed gratitude for the support received, highlighting the significance of the project in enhancing their capabilities. He stated, “One of the crucial product offerings at Dhruva Space is the end-to-end design, engineering, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar arrays for manned and unmanned space programs. One of our core capabilities has been to supply space power solutions to large satellites as well, and we are thankful to the Technology Development Board, Department of Science & Technology, for enabling us to scale these capabilities where we have seen traction not just in India but also overseas.”
In summary, TDB’s financial support for Dhruva Space’s Space Grade Solar Array Project marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the space sector. Through collaborative efforts and indigenous innovations, both entities aim to position India as a global leader in advanced and cost-effective space technologies, thereby contributing to the nation’s vision of a self-sufficient and technologically empowered future.
