Dhruva Space, Comat partner to share technologies, enhance space research

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, an provider of full-stack space engineering solutions, and Comat, a French supplier of strategic equipment, have joined forces through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), to establish a bilateral technology exchange which would help both the companies gain diversifying market access and space solutions.

Dhruva Space creates satellite platforms of up to 300 kg with multi-payload configurations as part of its Space-as-a-Service offering, expanding the company's ability to operate with any payload. They also launched Thybolt-1 and Tybolt-2 onto the PSLV-C54 of ISRO in November 2022.

In 2020, Dhruva Space became the first private Indian business to obtain an end-to-end order for Space-grade solar arrays. The company has been developing LEO-optimised spacecraft solar arrays for the micro and nano class of satellites. The primary method of power generation used by the aboard spacecraft is solar energy. The design of space-grade solar panels is substantially more complicated than regular Earth-bound solar panels.

For detumbling, attitude control, and torque or angular rate control of satellites, Comat offers a variety of plug-and-play reaction wheels. These systems are thoroughly qualified and characterised in accordance with the European Collaboration for Space Standardization (ECSS), and they are made to function for eight years in space.

According to the MoA, both the companies will share these diverse technologies to access the market and commercial opportunities while also offering space solutions to third parties.

Looking forward to the partnership ahead, Ludovic Daudois, CEO, Comat, shares, “Comat and Dhruva Space are committed to high standards in terms of reliability, innovation and operational efficiency. Through this partnership, our complementary skills will allow us to provide world-class equipment and services to satellite operators customers in the region.”

Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO, Dhruva Space, adds, “The signing of an MoA with Comat is emblematic of the convergence of views from both French and Indian industries, marking a new phase of growth and collaboration between Comat and Dhruva Space. Cooperation between India and France’s Space entities took root in the 1960s, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration with the dynamic team at Team Comat.”