Dhruva Space and Manastu Space Announce Collaboration for 2025 Hosted Payload Mission

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The LEAP-3 hosted payload mission underscores a key Made-in-India synergy in the private Space sector. Dhruva Space will anticipate utilising Manastu Space’s propulsion systems for both hosted payloads and dedicated missions across its satellite platforms.

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18 September 2024 [Bengaluru, KA, India] Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based full-stack Space engineering solutions provider, is excited to announce a collaboration with Manastu Space, a Mumbai-based pioneering startup in green propulsion systems. Manastu Space’s propulsion tech shall be qualified on Dhruva Space’s LEAP-3 hosted payload mission in late-2025. This marks a significant step toward integrating Made-in-India propulsion systems into Dhruva Space’s satellite platforms and Space missions. This marks an important milestone in the journey of Indian Space enterprises, showcasing India's capability to create innovative solutions for the global market.

LEAP-3 will be the third in Dhruva Space's renowned Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads (LEAP) series, aimed at both global and Indian markets.

Dhruva Space’s P-30 satellite platform is a Low Earth Orbit-optimised satellite platform, scalable for a gamut of Space missions. Dhruva Space's P-30 satellite bus is highly modular and payload-agnostic, weighing up to 50 kilograms. In January 2024, Dhruva Space’s P-30 satellite bus achieved a major milestone by being successfully Space-qualified during the company’s LEAP-TD mission aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C58.

The first three missions of the LEAP series have already gained significant customer traction, highlighting the growing demand for faster, reliable and cost-effective In-Orbit Validation (IOV) or In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) solutions. Dhruva Space’s upcoming LEAP-3 mission not only underscores the growing interest in hosted payload missions but also reflects the increasing collaboration within the Indian market.

Manastu Space is developing an advanced green propulsion system that leverages a hydrogen peroxide-based fuel with proprietary additives, combined with an ultra-high-temperature catalyst and a novel combustion chamber. This innovative solution is 20 times more agile, 60% less toxic and 50% more efficient making it 60% more affordable. Helping our customers generate 30% more revenue per satellite. Their technology mitigates Space debris and enhances satellite performance, bridging the gap left by current propulsion solutions. With the growing demand for sustainable and agile space operations, Manastu’s propulsion system is poised to gain significant traction in the global satellite market, addressing both commercial and Defense needs.

Manastu Space and Dhruva Space will also anticipate utilising Manastu Space’s propulsion systems across the full range of Dhruva Space’s small satellite platforms for hosted payload missions as well as dedicated missions for customers.

Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Chief Operations Officer & Co-founder, Dhruva Space, says, “We are excited that this synergy represents a fusion of cutting-edge, homegrown technologies from two Indian Space startups, aligning with the global shift towards leveraging hosted payload missions. Our LEAP series offers a full-stack and cost-effective solution with enhanced flexibility and rapid deployment, positioning Dhruva Space to reap the benefits of emerging market opportunities and advanced technology integration.”

“By incorporating green propulsion systems into satellite platforms, Manastu Space can significantly enhance their agility and expand their potential applications. This technology enables more precise orbital adjustments and maneuverability, opening doors to new mission possibilities that were previously constrained by limitations in propulsion capabilities. Moreover, in compliance with international regulations, we can safely deorbit the satellite at the end of its mission, minimising Space debris and promoting sustainable Space exploration,” says Tushar Jadhav, Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder, Manastu Space.

The 2025 hosted payload mission will feature Manastu Space's state-of-the-art propulsion technology, designed to enhance satellite maneuverability and efficiency. This collaboration is expected to pave the way for future innovations and provide valuable insights into advanced propulsion systems.

This upcoming mission was announced at Bengaluru Space Expo 2024, a major biennial trade show for the Space industry in India. Organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, BSX 2024 provides a platform to showcase innovations, explore business opportunities, and engage in high-level discussions about the future of Space exploration and technology.

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About Manastu Space

Manastu Space Technologies, founded by IIT Bombay alumni Tushar Jadhav and Ashtesh Kumar, is a pioneering venture revolutionising the Space industry with its innovative, green propulsion systems. Led by a team of experts in propulsion systems, satellite technology, and advanced materials, the company is committed to addressing the pressing challenges of Space safety and sustainability.

Manastu Space's breakthrough lies in its proprietary hydrogen peroxide-based fuel, which offers a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional hydrazine. The company's propulsion system boasts up to 50% higher efficiency than conventional systems, providing enhanced maneuverability for satellites and lowering operational costs. Manastu Space's focus on small and medium satellite operators aligns with the growing demand for cost-effective and efficient Space solutions.

About Dhruva Space

Dhruva Space, founded in 2012, is a National Award-winning, full-stack space engineering solutions provider based in Hyderabad, India. The company is active across Space, Launch, and Ground segments, and supports Civilian and Defense clients worldwide.

Dhruva Space offers satellite/s coupled with Earth station/s and launch services as an integrated solution or individually as technology solutions to power Space-based applications on Earth and beyond.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Divya-Kala Bhavani

Dhruva Space

divya@dhruvaspace.com

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