A New Star in the Indian Space Industry: Azista BST Aerospace
Hello, dear readers!
Welcome to another edition of Space Matters, where we bring you the latest news and insights from the fascinating world of space exploration and technology.
In this issue, we are going to talk about a remarkable achievement by an Indian space startup that is making waves in the global space industry.
Azista BST Aerospace: An Indo-German Satellite Manufacturing Venture
Azista BST Aerospace is an Ahmedabad-based company that specializes in making small satellites for various applications, such as remote sensing, communication, and navigation.
The company was founded in 2023 as a joint venture between Azista Industries Private Limited, an Indian conglomerate with interests in pharma, food, and aerospace, and Berlin Space Technologies GmbH, a German company that provides satellite engineering and consulting services.
Azista BST Aerospace has a state-of-the-art factory in Ahmedabad that can produce up to 100 satellites per year, ranging from 50 kg to 200 kg in weight. The company also has a team of experienced engineers and scientists who design and develop satellite subsystems and payloads.
ABA First Runner: The First Satellite by Azista BST Aerospace
On June 13, 2023, at 2:39 am IST, Azista BST Aerospace will launch its first satellite, ABA First Runner (AFR), aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
AFR is a remote sensing satellite that weighs 80 kg and carries an optical payload that can capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface in both panchromatic and multispectral modes.
Panchromatic mode means that the images are captured in a single band of light, typically the visible spectrum. This mode provides high spatial resolution and can be used for mapping and monitoring purposes.
Multispectral mode means that the images are captured in multiple bands of light, typically the visible and near-infrared spectrum. This mode provides spectral information that can be used for identifying different materials and objects on the ground.
AFR’s payload has a spatial resolution of 1.5 m in panchromatic mode and 6 m in multispectral mode. It also has a swath width of 30 km and a revisit time of 3 days.
Why AFR Matters: The Potential of Satellite Constellations
AFR is not just a one-off project by Azista BST Aerospace. It is part of a larger vision to create a constellation of satellites that can provide continuous and reliable data for various applications.
According to Sunil Indurti, director of Azista BST Aerospace, the company plans to launch more satellites in the future that will complement AFR’s capabilities and cover different regions and domains.
For example, the company is working on developing satellites that can provide synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, which can penetrate clouds and operate at night. SAR imagery can be useful for disaster management, security, and agriculture.
The company is also exploring the possibility of launching satellites that can provide communication and navigation services, such as internet connectivity and global positioning system (GPS).
By creating a constellation of satellites, Azista BST Aerospace aims to offer affordable and accessible data solutions for various sectors and customers, both in India and abroad.
Why SpaceX Falcon 9: The Choice of Launch Vehicle
Azista BST Aerospace chose SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket over India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) because of two main reasons: slot availability and compatibility.
Slot availability means that SpaceX had a launch slot that matched with Azista BST Aerospace’s timeline and requirements. The company booked its slot on the Falcon 9 rocket in 2023 when the Indian space sector was undergoing significant changes with the setting up of a regulator for private players.
Compatibility means that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket had a satellite compartment that could accommodate AFR’s size and weight. The Falcon 9 rocket can carry up to 22.8 tons of payload to low Earth orbit (LEO) and has a reusable first stage that can land back on Earth after launch.
However, Azista BST Aerospace does not rule out the possibility of using India’s PSLV rocket for future launches. According to Indurti, ISRO’s launch costs are competitive with other players and the company has a good relationship with ISRO as a vendor.
What Next: The Future Plans of Azista BST Aerospace
Azista BST Aerospace is not resting on its laurels after launching its first satellite. The company has ambitious plans to expand its portfolio and market share in the space industry.
The company is currently funded by Azista Industries and is not looking for venture capital funding. The company has a long-term outlook and is confident of its business model and value proposition.
The company is also looking to collaborate with other players in the space ecosystem, such as universities, research institutes, and government agencies. The company is open to sharing its data and expertise with other stakeholders and contributing to the development of the space sector in India.
The company is also keen to explore new opportunities and challenges in the space domain, such as lunar and interplanetary missions, space debris removal, and space tourism.
Conclusion: A New Star in the Indian Space Industry
Azista BST Aerospace is a shining example of how an Indian space startup can make a mark in the global space industry with innovation, vision, and collaboration.
The launch of AFR is a milestone for the company and the country, as it showcases the capabilities and potential of the private space sector in India.
We congratulate Azista BST Aerospace on their achievement and wish them all the best for their future endeavors.
We hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who are interested in space matters.
Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
