The Department of Science & Technology’s Technology Development Board (TDB) has allocated financial support of ₹14 crore to Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based space startup, for establishing its ‘Space Grade Solar Array Fabrication and Test Facility’ for spacecraft applications. The project aims to pioneer technological advancements in solar panel manufacturing to meet the demanding requirements of on-orbit usage. It involves exploring innovations in materials such as carbon fiber and resins to enhance performance and durability, along with focusing on process innovations in solar cell assembly (SCA) through novel stringing and bonding techniques.
Dhruva Space’s objective is to manufacture high-efficiency solar panels targeting an efficiency of up to 30% by developing a specialized test facility for compliance and certification of space-grade solar arrays in the long term. TDB Secretary, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, stated that this project aligns with the mission to promote indigenous innovation and strengthen India’s capabilities in domestic production, furthering the commitment to become a global hub for advanced and cost-effective space technologies.
CEO Sanjay Nekkanti highlighted Dhurva Space’s core capabilities in providing end-to-end design, engineering, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft solar arrays for manned and unmanned space programs. The project encompasses various space-qualified processes including substrate fabrication, precise cell welding, secure cell bonding, integration of electrical harnesses, and comprehensive testing and evaluation. Mechanical and electrical evaluations will be conducted using advanced techniques such as vibration testing, shock testing, and large area pulsed sun simulator testing. Environmental testing will include thermo-vacuum chamber conditions and acoustic testing, with simulations of zero-gravity (Zero G) deployment to assess performance in space environments.
