Sidus Space Inc (NASDAQ:SIDU) has announced that its partner Dhruva Space Private Limited's Satellite Orbital Deployer successfully achieved space qualification on June 30, 2022.
Dhruva’s Satellite Orbital Deployer was successfully tested and space-qualified in the PSLV C53 mission, and by achieving space qualification, the deployer proved it can withstand and operate properly in the harsh environment of space, the company said.
The launch took place at 6.02pm IST (Indian Standard Time, or 8.32am ET) on June 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.
READ: Sidus Space says CEO chosen to speak at International Space Convention and World Satellite Business Week
In December last year, Sidus Space chief technology officer Jamie Adams participated in a Zero-G flight demonstration designed to simulate a microgravity environment in order to test the spring-loaded mechanisms and electronics that unlatch the door on the Orbital Deployer, the company said.
Sidus Space will integrate Dhruva’s CubeSat deployer with its own Phoenix Deployer, which is in development and accommodates a customized configuration of 3, 6 or 12 CubeSat deployers based on each mission’s need.
“Our successful testing and space-qualification of Dhruva Space’s Satellite Orbital Deployer marks a new chapter in India’s space history, and the PSLV C53 mission is an iconic milestone in the journey of Dhruva Space,” Dhruva CEO Sanjay Nekkanti said in a statement.
“This is also a big win for the Dhruva Space team who have all worked together with unrelenting determination to ensure the success of ultimately gaining space heritage. We look forward to supporting our international clients with CubeSat Deployers, Integration and Launch Services. The continued support from Sidus Space Inc (NASDAQ:SIDU) over the past two years has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership," he added.
Sidus and Dhruva initially entered into a partnership in 2020 to collaborate and catalyze the design, development and commercialization of innovative space technologies and services, the company said. In May this year, the companies entered into a new agreement to reinforce and expand their commitment to a continued partnership and collaboration.
The updated partnership will support the missions of the space programs in India and the US through strategic alignment and value-add agreements related to satellites, Mission Operations Centers, Ground Stations, space-related hardware and software and other technologies.
From its 35,000-square-foot manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility in Florida, Sidus is focused on vertically integrated Space-as-a-Service solutions, including end-to-end satellite support.
The firm’s range of Space-As-a-Service offerings include space-rated hardware manufacturing, design engineering, satellite manufacturing and platform development, launch and support services, data analytics services and satellite constellation management.
Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel