Hyderabad-based full-stack space engineering company Dhruva Space has announced Polar Access-1 (PA-1), its most integrated and infrastructure-led launch programme to date, enabling 10 space missions serving six Indian states and two nations. The mission will be launched aboard ISRO’s PSLV-DL-C62 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:17 am IST on January 12.

PA-1 marks the first edition of Dhruva Space’s Polar Access programme, designed to provide structured and repeatable access to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The mission deploys a coordinated stack of four satellites, five separation systems, and multiple operational ground stations, all executed through Dhruva Space’s end-to-end space infrastructure. This includes in-house satellite platforms, launch vehicle integration, separation systems, and Ground-Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS), for which the company received authorisation from IN-SPACe in 2024.

Collectively, the missions support disaster communication, environmental monitoring, education, and commercial Earth observation, with applications spanning public institutions and emerging space-technology users.

Dhruva Space enables first-time satellite missions for several Indian states and nations

Through PA-1, Dhruva Space is enabling first-time satellite missions for several Indian states and nations, embedding space technology capabilities within universities and institutions.

Nepal will fly an Earth observation and technology demonstration satellite developed by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN). Enabled through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the satellite will focus on vegetation density mapping for environmental monitoring.

Odisha will mark its maiden satellite mission with CGUSAT-1, developed in collaboration with CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar. Built on Dhruva Space’s P-DoT satellite platform, the mission will demonstrate store-and-forward communication for disaster response.

Karnataka’s DSAT-1, developed with Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, will focus on two-way amateur-band communication and telemetry, supported by Dhruva Space’s satellite platform, deployment system, and campus-based ground infrastructure.

The Northeast region, led by Assam, will see its first satellite mission with LACHIT-1, developed with Assam Don Bosco University, representing eight northeastern states.

These university-led missions are part of Dhruva Space’s ASTRA (Accelerated Space Technology Readiness & Access) for Academia programme, aimed at building long-term, state-level space-technology capabilities.

Technology demonstration and commercial missions

Tamil Nadu will host a technology demonstration showcasing Chennai-based NGE OrbitAID’s patented docking and refuelling interface, supported by Dhruva Space’s GSaaS network.

Gujarat will fly a 1U satellite developed for Laxman Gyanpith School, featuring an LED payload simulating an “artificial star” visible from Ahmedabad.

From Telangana, Dhruva Space will launch THYBOLT-3, its own satellite mission demonstrating satellite-enabled disaster communication using amateur radio architecture. The company is also supporting the first commercial satellite of a constellation from a Hyderabad-based private customer.

Dhruva Space to conduct training programmes on satellite-enabled disaster, emergency communications

Several missions—including CGUSAT-1, DSAT-1, LACHIT-1 and THYBOLT-3—will be accessible to the global amateur radio community. Dhruva Space, in partnership with the National Institute of Amateur Radio and partner universities, will conduct training programmes focused on satellite-enabled disaster and emergency communications.

Commenting on the launch, Abhay Egoor, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Dhruva Space, in a release said the mission underscores the company’s evolution as a full-stack space infrastructure provider. “With expanding global ground stations, PA-1 strengthens continuous coverage, secure communications, and responsive mission operations for customers worldwide,” he said.

Space missions

Dhruva Space unveils Polar Access-1, to enable 10 space missions on ISRO’s PSLV launch