ISRO Transfers Satellite Bus Technology To Adani Group’s Alpha Design Technologies

In mid of last month, Indian space agency. ISRO, had invited an expression of Interest (EOI) for the complete Transfer of Technology (ToT) of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Now, in less than a month, ISRO on Friday announced that it has transferred the IMS-1 Satellite Bus Technology to Adani Group-owned Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based company engaged in development / manufacture / supply of almost all types of defence electronics, avionics, simulation, UAVS, AFV equipment & systems.

Alpha Design is one of the two private players identified to receive the transfer of this technology through Interest Exploratory Note (IEN) published by NSIL. The other private entity to receive the technology transfer is yet to be disclosed however.

ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), facilitated the technology transfer to Alpha Design through an agreement signed during an event held at the NSIL headquarters on August 2, 2023.

The Technology Transfer Documents were formally handed over by Shri. D Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL to Col. H. S. Shankar (Retd.) VSM, Chairman and Managing Director of Alpha Design. 

"This transfer marks the beginning of satellite-bus technologies developed by ISRO being transferred to private industries," said ISRO in a release.

By transferring the IMS-1 technology to the private sector, ISRO and Department of Space aims to bolster India's industrial growth in the space sector and foster technological self-reliance. The development opens up new avenues for private players to contribute to space research and exploration, in line with India's vision to expand its presence in the global space market.

The IMS-1 (Indian Micro Satellite) satellite bus, developed by the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC/ ISRO), is a versatile and efficient small satellite platform designed to facilitate low-cost access to space. IMS-1 is an Earth observation satellite in a sun-synchronous orbit, and is the fourteenth satellite in the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series built, launched and maintained by ISRO.

The satellite bus serves as a dedicated vehicle for various payloads, enabling Earth imaging, ocean and atmospheric studies, microwave remote sensing, and space science missions while ensuring a quick turnaround time for satellite launches.

IMS-1 bus, weighing about 100 kg, accommodates a 30 kg payload. Solar arrays generate 330 W power with a raw bus voltage of 30-42 V. It offers a 3-axis stabilized with four reaction wheels with a 1 N thruster that provides +/- 0.1 degree pointing accuracy. It is a forerunner for IMS-2 bus technology, capable of improved features. IMS-1 bus is utilised in previous ISRO missions like IMS-1, Youthsat and Microsat-2D.

Founded in 2003, by Col. H.S. Shankar, Akunuri Mohana Rao and Rakesh Dhar Jayal, Alpha Design Technologies is a leading aerospace and defense company based in India. With expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and system integration, ADTL has been a key player in various projects related to defense, space, and homeland security, contributing significantly to India's technological progress in these domains.

In December 2021, Adani Enterprises, through its subsidiary Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, has made an acquisition of Alpha Design Technologies. According to a 2018 report by Business Standard, Alpha Design was acquired by Adani Enterprises for ₹400 crores. 

During peak of pandemic COVID-19, Alpha Design Technologies was among three Indian companies chose to get free license for manufacturing VITAL – a Ventilator indigenously developed by the US space agency NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in May 2020.

In year 2018, Alpha Design made a 2-year contract with ISRO for assembly, integration and testing of IRNSS satellites. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), with an operational name of NavIC (acronym for Navigation with Indian Constellation; also, nāvik 'sailor' or 'navigator' in Indian languages), is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate real-time positioning and timing services.

Bangalore Startup Alpha Design Signs Pact with ISRO to Assemble Satellites

Bangalore-based Alpha Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd, a manufacturer and technological services provider in India's defence and paramilitary markets, announced the signing of a contract with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian space agency, for assembly, integration and testing of IRNSS satellites.

The ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), has signed an agreement with a consortium led by Alpha Design Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Tatas to assemble satellites.

Notably, this is the first set of agreements signed by ISRO, which is trying to rope in private partners to overcome its own constraints. The space agency is encouraging private players to form a small consortium to undertake satellite and rocket manufacturing work so that it can remain focused on research and development.

Each consortium led by Alpha Design, Tata, and BEL respectively, will work independently.

The Alpha Design-led consortium consists of six small and medium-sized enterprises, including Newtech Solutions; Aidin Technologies and DCX Cables from Bengaluru; Vinyas Technologies from Mysuru and Avantel Systems of Hyderabad. and Exseed Speed.

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Together, these private firms are expected to build at least 7 to 9 satellites -- divided equally between Alpha, BEL and Tata -- per year. The agreement is for three years and is extendable for two more years. The satellites will be assembled at ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE) facilities, which will separate enclosures for all the companies under ISAC/ISRO.

About Alpha Design Technologies, the startup offers its capabilities in delivering advanced defence electronics and aero structures, as well as R&D and manufacturing. The startup, under the guidance of ISRO, had already integrated and tested the high-end 1.65 tonne IRNSS-1i successfully. The satellite was launched on April 12, 2018, and is functioning excellently in outer space.

In next two years, the startup -- with the help of ISRO -- will be investing in creating, an ultra-modern satellite manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing and qualification facilities, with a view to independently supply four to five satellites to ISRO.

As of now the startup is busy selecting 70 of their top rated employees which include engineers, diploma holders and ITI qualified, for them to be trained at ISRO for nine months. During the training at ISRO, the Alpha Design Technologies team would be assisted in on-job learning followed by actual assembly, integration and testing.

Speaking at the announcement, Colonel H. S. Shankar, Chairman and Managing Director, Alpha Design Technologies, said, “As part of the contract, initially our teams would get minimum ISRO supervision and later would independently be making complete satellites.”

Looking at the future prospective engagements with ISRO, Alpha Design Technologies is expecting to add more than 400 engineers, diploma holders and ITI qualified personnel to be part of Alpha Group, with annual turnover of Rs. 200 crore to Rs. 250 crore. The company had recently signed a multi-million dollar contract with Elbit Systems for manufacturing of 600 VHF communication devices for exports and later for large scale manufacture to cater for the requirements of the Armoured Corps.

Alpha Design is reportedly also planning to build its own facilities in the next 3-5 years. It is also scouting for investors and planning for an initial public offering (IPO) to mobilise funds to back the plan.

To recall, in March this year, ISRO has also tied up with Kerala to set up India's first of its kind ‘space park’ with the technical support from ISRO, in order to incubate and promote startups in the satellite and space technology sector.

Via - Business Standard

[Top Image - INSAT-3DR seen with two halves of payload faring of GSLV-F05 | Via - Zee Business]