
Isro tests satellites developed by private sector for the first time
Two satellites by Indian startups—SpaceKidz India and Pixxel (incorporated as Sygyzy)—were tested at the UR Rao Satellite Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in Bengaluru. This is a first for the space agency, which so far has only taken help in manufacturing and fabrication of various parts of satellites and rockets from the Indian industry. Isro helped these two companies fix problems with the solar panels on their respective satellites.
Confirming the development, Isro spokesperson Vivek Singh told HT that the two firms have finished the testing already. In the coming months, these two firms will also test their engines at Sriharikota spaceport and Thiruvananthapuram rocket centre.
“There have been several firms that have worked with ISRO in the past, but these firms are into manufacturing satellites. They are almost through with their development. In our next PSLV launch, they could be our co-passengers,” he said.
Earlier Isro had only provided launch facilities to private firms at a cost. In June 2020, Isro chairman K Sivan had announced that the agency will open its labs, testing facilities and quality facilities to private companies so they don’t have to invest in infrastructure. An independent body, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), was set up to not only to oversee the space activity of the private sector, but also to handhold and share Isro facilities. The decision of the body would be binding on Isro as well.
Also Read | India launched 328 satellites from 33 different countries till date: Centre
Just eight months after this announcement was made, Isro is ready to launch commercial satellites in a PSLV mission scheduled for later this month. It will be the first mission wherein satellites by the Indian industry will be commercially launched by Isro.
A satellite designed by students from SpaceKidz India had been launched by Isro as an experiment in January 2019 using the fourth stage of the PSLV—which usually goes to waste—as the platform for the KalamSat.
The PSLV C-51 mission will carry a Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 under a commercial arrangement made by the NewSpace India limited, the commercial arm of Isro. In addition, the launch vehicle will carry 20 passenger satellites—including one nanosatellite by Isro, the two satellites under testing, and UnitySat, a combination of three satellites designed and built by Jeppiaar Institute of Technology, Sriperumbudur, GH Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur and Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore.
Another startup Skyroot is working towards developing a launch vehicle that is likely to be launched by the end of the year. Isro will share their spaceports—the existing one at Sriharikota and the upcoming one in Thoothukudi—with industries for such missions.

Scientists discover new compound for male contraceptive pill

Karnataka launches engineering research and development policy
- Numbers Game: Bengaluru tops the chart in the number of multinational companies in India

Science should be solution-based, people-centric: Vardhan

Scientists discover bioengineered hybrid muscle fiber for regenerative medicine

PM Modi’s image, Gita sent to space aboard PSLV

On National Science Day, here’s all about Raman Effect or Raman Scattering

'Historic moment': Isro launches 19 satellites with Bhagavad Gita, PM’s photo

Nasa's solar probe sends stunning image of Venus and its terrain
- The picture shared by Nasa of the onboard Wide-field Imager inside the Parker Solar Probe (WISPR) was originally clicked in July 2020.

ISRO to launch Brazilian satellite on Sunday; first in 2021
- The 637-kg Amazonia-1 will provide remote sensing data to scientists who will need the data from the satellite to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region.

NASA renames Washington headquarters to honour 'hidden figures' scientist

New study uncovers new details of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with human cells

Regeneron to stop giving placebo in Covid-19 drug trial after 'clear efficacy'

NASA releases panorama taken by Mars rover

Satellite by Indian start-up will not be launched aboard PSLV-C51 mission
