New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad-based startup Dhruva Space, in a significant push to India’s commercial space ecosystem.
The collaboration focuses on design, manufacturing, testing, and supply of satellite solar panels, aiming to meet rising global demand and strengthen India’s presence in the space technology market.
Key Highlights
- Collaboration for end-to-end development of satellite solar panels
- Focus on design, manufacturing, testing, and supply chain integration
- Aims to cater to growing global demand for space solar solutions
- Enhances India’s private sector participation in space sector
Scope of Collaboration
Objective: Scale up manufacturing of space-grade solar panels and strengthen India’s role in global space supply chains.
The partnership will leverage:
- NSIL/ISRO expertise in programme management and quality assurance
- Dhruva Space’s capabilities in satellite subsystems and solar technologies
About Dhruva Space
It is an end-to-end space solutions provider, offering:
- Satellite buses (for hosting payloads)
- Satellite deployers
- Launch integration services
- Ground stations
- Solis+ solar panels
It provides customised solutions for small satellites, including subsystem development.
Market Opportunity
- Global space solar cells market projected to grow from:
- $1.38 billion (2025) — $1.55 billion (2026)
- Growth rate: 12.3% CAGR
Indicates rising demand for satellite power systems in global space missions.
Existing Engagements and Global Presence
Dhruva Space has:
- Supplied space-grade solar arrays to Government of India and global clients
- Export orders to countries like UAE, Austria, Australia, and France
- Delivered Solis+ solar panels (Nov 2024)
- Collaboration with Pixxel for Firefly hyperspectral satellite constellation
- Demonstrates the growing global footprint of Indian space startups.
About NSIL
New Space India Limited is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space. Plays a key role in building a vibrant space economy in India.
Functions:
- Commercialisation of ISRO technologies and services
- Realisation of launch vehicles through industry partnerships
- Development of communication and Earth observation satellites
- Provision of space-based solutions to global customers