LEAP-1 Mission – Dhruva Space’s First Commercial Satellite Launch

Syllabus: Science & Tech (UPSC GS III)
Source: IT

Context

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space will launch its first commercial satellite mission, LEAP-1, on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

What is LEAP-1?

• Full Form: Launch, Experiment, Analyze, Progress.
• Dhruva Space’s debut commercial mission, carrying international payloads for AI and Earth observation.
• Partners: Akula Tech (Australia) & Esper Satellites (Australia).

Mission Objectives

• Demonstrate real-time geospatial AI processing in space.
• Provide low-cost hosted payload services for defence, agriculture, and disaster monitoring.
• Showcase Dhruva’s P-30 satellite platform for commercial applications.

Key Features

• Two Payloads:
  1. Nexus-01 (Akula Tech) – AI/ML module with self-retraining capability.
  2. OTR-2 (Esper Satellites) – Hyperspectral imaging sensor for high-resolution Earth observation.
• Platform: P-30 satellite bus, earlier qualified via ISRO’s PSLV-C58 mission.
• Operations: Managed through Dhruva’s Integrated Space Operations & Command Suite (ISOCS).
• Symbolism: Mission patch highlights India–Australia–US space cooperation.

About Dhruva Space

• Founded: 2012 | HQ: Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Focus: Full-stack space engineering solutions for satellites, ground stations, and launch integration.
• Achievements:
  • Qualified satellite buses via ISRO missions.
  • First Indian private firm to host foreign commercial payloads.
  • Building a 280,000 sq. ft satellite facility for spacecraft up to 500 kg.
• Recognition: Supported by ISRO, IN-SPACe, and the Australian Space Agency.