Dhruva Space's Major Leap: Launching Australian Payloads into Space

Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based start-up, prepares to launch its first commercial mission, LEAP-1, deploying payloads for two Australian firms on its P-30 satellite platform. The mission features collaborations with Akula Tech and Esper and underscores growing Indo-Australian and U.S. support.

Dhruva Space, a promising Hyderabad-based start-up, is on the brink of launching its inaugural commercial mission, LEAP-1. This mission aims to deploy payloads for two Australian companies utilizing its homegrown satellite technology.

The payloads, contributed by Australia's Akula Tech and Esper, will be launched atop Dhruva's P-30 satellite platform via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the third quarter of the current fiscal year. The AI payload Nexus-01 from Akula Tech and the hyperspectral imager OTR-2 from Esper were successfully tested aboard ISRO's POEM-3 mission earlier this year.

Slated for a Q3 2025 launch, the LEAP-1 mission not only highlights Indo-Australian collaboration but also represents increasing U.S. support in Dhruva Space's commercial endeavors, according to the company. Dhruva's innovative offering—LEAP—combines Ground Station-as-a-Service with a proprietary integrated suite for seamless mission operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)