CHENNAI: In a significant move towards strengthening private industry participation in India's space sector, ISRO announced the transfer of IMS-1 Satellite Bus Technology to Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The technology transfer was facilitated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, through a formal agreement signed at the NSIL headquarters on August 2, as per the information available on ISRO's website.

During the event, D Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, formally handed over the technology transfer documents to Col. H S Shankar (Retd.), Chairman, and Managing Director of ADTL. ADTL was one of the two private firms identified to receive this technology transfer based on the Interest Exploratory Note (IEN) published by NSIL.

This landmark transfer marks the beginning of satellite bus technologies being shared with private industries. Furthermore, a consortium of industries is currently working on the production of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

ISRO has been actively supporting private players in developing space technologies, extending its expertise to enable both outbound and inbound approaches.

The versatile and efficient small satellite platform, the satellite bus, was developed by ISRO's U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) to provide cost-effective access to space. This bus serves as a dedicated vehicle for various payloads, enabling earth imaging, ocean and atmospheric studies, microwave remote sensing, and space science missions, while ensuring quick turnaround times for satellite launches.

Weighing about 100 kg, the IMS-1 bus can accommodate a 30 kg payload and is equipped with solar arrays generating 330W power at a raw bus voltage of 30-42 V. It offers 3-axis stabilization with four reaction wheels and a 1 Newton thruster that provides +/- 0.1-degree pointing accuracy.

The IMS-1 bus has already been utilized in previous ISRO missions such as IMS-1, Youthsat, and Microsat-2D. Its successor, IMS-2 bus technology, is expected to have improved features.

Through the transfer of IMS-1 technology to the private sector, ISRO/DoS (Department of Space) aims to bolster India's industrial growth in the space sector and promote technological self-reliance. This development also opens up new opportunities for private players to contribute to space research and exploration, aligning with India's vision to expand its presence in the global space market.

Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd, an aerospace and defense company with expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and system integration, has played a vital role in various projects related to defense, space, and homeland security, contributing significantly to India's technological progress in these domains.
 

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