New era of Space exploration: India’s First POEM Experience Centre set up in Ahmedabad

In a significant milestone for India’s space sector, TakeMe2Space, a domestic nano-satellite development company, and Azista Aerospace, a satellite development and manufacturing firm, have partnered to establish the country’s first POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) Experience Centre in Ahmedabad. This collaborative effort is set to transform how academia, researchers, and startups engage with space experimentation, opening new doors to innovation and accessibility.

The POEM platform, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has already gained recognition for its affordability and reliability. Now, with the creation of this cutting-edge experience centre, space enthusiasts and professionals will have unprecedented opportunities to build, test, and qualify their payloads for POEM missions.

Revolutionizing Payload Development

The POEM Experience Centre aims to democratize access to space technology by providing participants with state-of-the-art testing resources. Equipped with advanced facilities, including an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) chamber, the centre will streamline the complex process of developing and testing payloads. Space innovators can now qualify their payloads with greater ease, speed, and precision.

Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder and CEO of TakeMe2Space, underlined the centre’s role as a launchpad for innovation. “By combining our expertise with Azista Aerospace, we are creating a unique ecosystem that will empower researchers and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life. The POEM Experience Centre is more than just a facility; it represents a new chapter in space exploration.”

A Boost for Space Startups and Entrepreneurs

One of the standout features of this collaboration is its potential impact on India’s burgeoning space startup ecosystem. With all the ISRO-qualified test facilities under one roof, Azista Aerospace’s expertise in space-grade manufacturing will play a critical role in supporting multiple payload qualifications simultaneously. This consolidation will drastically reduce the time and costs associated with launching payloads into space, allowing startups and universities to innovate faster than ever before.

M. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Azista Aerospace, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “With our advanced production facilities and TakeMe2Space’s POEM emulator, we are making space technology more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs and academic institutions. Our joint efforts will enable multiple payload qualifications to happen in parallel, accelerating the timeline for space missions.”

A Broader Vision for Global Space Collaboration

The collaboration between TakeMe2Space and Azista extends beyond national borders. Azista’s global reach and established presence in space system manufacturing will provide a platform to take TakeMe2Space’s nano-satellite subsystems to the international market. This partnership positions both companies as key players in the global space industry, poised to disrupt the nano-satellite market with cutting-edge technology at an affordable price.

In addition to payload development, the POEM Experience Centre will offer extensive training and support, ensuring users make the most of the facilities available. Whether they are established professionals or students new to the field, participants will benefit from expert guidance and insights.

A New Dawn for Space Accessibility

Set to begin operations in October 2024, the POEM Experience Centre is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s space future. By simplifying access to advanced testing and development facilities, the centre is not only empowering local innovators but also contributing to the country’s position as a global leader in space exploration.