In a significant development for India’s space sector, Space Rickshaw, co-founded by Dr Srimathy Kesan, has successfully launched its satellite, SR-0 DEMOSAT, aboard the SSLV D3 from ISRO’s Sriharikota facility. This accomplishment not only showcases the technological capabilities of the company but also highlights the growing role of women in the space industry.
The SSLV, or Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, is designed to meet the increasing demand for deploying small satellites into orbit. It provides a cost-effective solution that can be quickly assembled and launched, making it a preferred option over larger vehicles like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) for smaller payloads.
Following the successful launch on Aug 16, 2024, in an exclusive interaction with FinancialExpress.com, Dr Srimathy Kesan explained that the SR-0 DEMOSAT, weighing approximately 1200 grams, is a notable achievement for Space Rickshaw. “The satellite carries two payloads: one from SRM Public School in Chennai, India, and another from AVS Academy in Illinois, USA. These payloads reflect Space Rickshaw’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and education in space technology,” she said.
Importance of this mission
According to Dr Kesan, a key feature of this mission was the deployment system developed in-house by Space Rickshaw’s team. Led by Lead Structural Engineer Clinton Antony, the team designed Deployer X, the world’s lightest and smallest deployer. This technology represents a significant advancement in satellite deployment systems and underscores Space Rickshaw’s ability to innovate in space technology.
Dr. Srimathy Kesan underlined the importance of this launch, noting that their satellite was the only commercial payload on the SSLV D3. “We were ISRO’s customers for this mission, and it was our first commercial launch. We invested in this launch to validate our deployer technology, and we successfully tested it alongside our clients’ payloads.”
The mission also featured a sequencer module, an advanced avionics package that played a crucial role in the deployment process. This system, designed for compatibility with a range of existing and future launch vehicles, showcases the versatility and forward-thinking approach of Space Rickshaw.
This successful launch marks a significant step in Space Rickshaw’s journey, reflecting its technical expertise and commitment to advancing space technology. The leadership of Dr Srimathy Kesan has been instrumental in guiding the company to this achievement, demonstrating the impact of women’s leadership in the field of space exploration.