ISRO’s GSLV-F15 launched NVS-02 Navigation Satellite.
India’s ISRO Transfers 10 New Technologies to Indian Companies: AHMEDABAD, India – In a significant stride towards fostering a robust public-private partnership and accelerating the commercialization of space technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has transferred 10 state-of-the-art technologies to six Indian companies. This landmark move, facilitated by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), is set to unlock ISRO’s vast repository of innovations for wider industrial application, propelling India’s ambition for self-reliance in the space domain.
The tripartite Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) were formally inked on Thursday, July 3, at the IN-SPACe headquarters in Ahmedabad. The agreements saw NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO‘s commercial arm, the six recipient companies, and IN-SPACe as signatories, marking a collaborative effort to democratize access to cutting-edge space-related advancements.
This strategic transfer is designed to empower private players, granting them the opportunity to leverage ISRO-developed technologies for a myriad of commercial applications, not just within the space sector but across other industries as well. The technologies, which span critical areas such as satellite launch systems, ground station infrastructure, and geospatial applications, are expected to deepen industry participation, drive indigenization efforts, and significantly reduce India’s reliance on foreign technologies.
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Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, underscored the significance of this initiative. “The transfer of these technologies marks yet another significant step towards empowering the private sector to harness and commercialize space technologies,” he stated. Dr. Goenka further emphasized, “ISRO has a flourishing repository of R&D in space technologies, and it is time we leverage that to the optimum to strengthen India’s space industrial ecosystem, and in that, industry-led innovation will play a key role.” His remarks highlight a clear vision for an industry-driven innovation ecosystem that taps into decades of ISRO’s pioneering research.
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Key Technologies Transferred
Among the notable technologies transferred are:
Advanced Inertial Sensors for Satellite Launches: Hyderabad-based Zetatek Technologies, a firm with over 25 years of expertise in Inertial Navigation System (INS) testing, calibration, and quality assurance, has acquired two crucial technologies: the Laser Gyroscope and the Ceramic Servo Accelerometer. These advanced inertial sensors, developed by ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit, are vital components for potential use in satellite launch vehicles, promising to enhance precision and reliability in India’s space missions.
Ground Station Operations for Self-Reliance: In a move aimed at bolstering indigenous capabilities in critical ground station infrastructure, three technologies have been transferred to Hyderabad-based Avantel and Jisnu Communications. These companies, specializing in end-to-end communication solutions for space and defense platforms, will now have access to:
S/X/Ka tri-band dual circular polarized monopulse feed,
Tri-axis antenna control servo system,
Ku/C/L and S Band Cassegrain feed.
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Collage of ISRO’s PSLV-C59 rocket launch preparation.
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These technologies, previously sourced from international vendors, are pivotal for achieving self-reliance in managing and communicating with satellites.
Geospatial Models for Agricultural Advancement: Ahmedabad-based Amnex Info Technologies has received two geospatial models developed by SAC/ISRO. These innovative models, designed for pest forewarning and semi-physical crop yield estimation, are poised to revolutionize agricultural decision-making and crop protection strategies across the country.
Water Resource Monitoring and Industrial Coatings: Further diversifying the impact of ISRO’s innovations, a compact, multi-parameter, portable bathymetry system developed by NRSC/ISRO has been transferred to Jalkruti Water Solutions of Ahmedabad. This system will enable UAV-based integration for efficient water resource monitoring. Additionally, VSSC/ISRO’s ceramic-based flame-proof coating technology, originally developed for demanding launch vehicle applications, has been acquired by Ahmedabad’s Ramdev Chemicals for broader industrial applications, showcasing the versatility of space-grade materials.
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Rajeev Jyoti, Director of the Technical Directorate at IN-SPACe, reaffirmed the collaborative commitment behind this initiative. “With this transfer, we are taking a pivotal step toward building indigenous capabilities within India,” he stated. He assured that “ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL will collaboratively provide comprehensive handholding support to all the industry players to ensure successful absorption of the technology.” This commitment to ongoing support is crucial for ensuring that the transferred technologies are effectively integrated and commercialized by the private sector.
This latest round of technology transfers by ISRO, facilitated by IN-SPACe, marks a significant inflection point in India’s space journey. By empowering the private sector with advanced indigenous technologies, India is not only accelerating its pace in the global space race but also fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and self-reliance that will benefit various sectors of its economy.
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