Dhruva Space, a space engineering company based in Hyderabad, has received authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS). This approval is a significant step forward for Dhruva Space, enhancing its ability to support various space missions more effectively.
Ground Station Capabilities
Dhruva Space has designed and developed six ground stations in the VHF and UHF bands and two in the S and/or X bands. In 2021, they started internal research and development by setting up an S&X Ground Station at IIT-Hyderabad. This facility is now a key part of the company’s ground segment solutions. The startup plans to use this station to support its upcoming LEAP-1 hosted payload mission, scheduled for later in 2024.
Dhruva Space is also in discussions with global ground station operators to expand its network beyond India. This will enable satellite operations from anywhere in the world, offering better access and control.
Challenges in Setting Up
Setting up ground stations in India involves high upfront costs. GSaaS provides a cost-effective alternative by sharing infrastructure, reducing financial barriers for satellite operators. Ground stations in equatorial regions with low Earth inclination orbits offer extended satellite visibility, reduced latency, and improved signal reliability. These services optimize global satellite operations for various missions, including telecommunications and remote sensing.
India’s strategic location further enhances GSaaS support for launch vehicle activities, ensuring efficient data transmission and operational flexibility.
Advanced Technology Access
Access to advanced ground station technology and expertise is limited in India. GSaaS democratizes this access, allowing emerging private companies to use high-quality infrastructure. Dhruva Space offers GSaaS with a flexible service model, enabling satellite operators to adjust their ground station resources as needed, enhancing their operational capability.
GSaaS addresses global access challenges to ground stations and provides essential mission operations services for direct delivery of mission-critical data to designated platforms.
Providing Startups Access
The authorization empowers Dhruva Space to offer critical ground support, enabling real-time satellite communication and control. Additionally, GSaaS fosters innovation by providing startups access to advanced ground station facilities, accelerating research and development, and focusing resources on mission objectives.
Dhruva Space’s Vision
Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO of Dhruva Space, expressed excitement about the authorization. He said, “In the upcoming decade, significant transformations in space interaction are anticipated, with GSaaS playing a pivotal role in this evolution. This milestone not only underscores our commitment to advancing space technology but also reinforces our role in supporting the growing number of space startups aiming to validate their spacecraft in orbit. Our GSaaS is designed to support an increasingly democratized space sector so commercial ventures and global communications can continue to flourish.”
Dhruva Space’s authorization for GSaaS marks a significant milestone in the Indian space industry, providing cost-effective and flexible ground station services to support a wide range of space missions.
