New Delhi: The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology has provided financial support to M/s Dhruva Space Private Limited in Hyderabad. The funding is for a project called “Space Grade Solar Array Fabrication and Test Facility,” which aims to boost India’s self-reliance in space technology and improve the country’s domestic production capabilities in the sector.
Dhruva Space is working on developing solar array technologies designed especially for spacecraft. The project involves creating new methods of manufacturing solar panels, using advanced materials and assembly techniques to improve their performance and durability in space.
The company aims to reach up to 30% efficiency in their solar panels by using triple-junction GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) technology. It is highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, using its three layers of semiconductor material, each designed to capture a different segment of the solar spectrum.
The project also involves setting up a specialised testing facility to make sure the solar arrays meet space-grade standards. This includes detailed mechanical and electrical tests, along with environmental assessments to mimic conditions in space.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, said, “This project perfectly aligns with TDB’s mission to promote indigenous innovation and strengthen India’s capabilities in domestic production.”
