The Indian Space Research Organization, commonly known as ISRO, is set to launch its first satellite, powered by electric propulsion, in December 2024. ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced that the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01) will feature this advanced propulsion technology. and will be launched to showcase India’s capabilities in developing lightweight yet powerful spacecraft.

Lighter satellites with electric propulsion

The electric propulsion thrusters are considered a revolutionary development for ISRO, as they will reduce the overall weight of the satellite and fuel requirements. Typically, a four-ton communications satellite carries about two tons of liquid fuel, which is used to maintain its orbit. However, thanks to the new electric propulsion system (EPS), the fuel required is significantly reduced to just 200 kg.

This makes the satellite significantly lighter while retaining the power of a traditional four-ton satellite.

Advantages and challenges of electric propulsion

The electric propulsion system uses propellant gases such as Argon, which are ionized using solar energy. This approach would minimize the satellite’s fuel load and the size of its peripheral systems. However, EPS generates less thrust than chemical propulsion, meaning the satellite will take longer to reach its final orbit. While chemical thrusters take about a week to reach geostationary orbit, electric propulsion could take up to three months.

TDS-01 to demonstrate indigenous technology

In addition to the electric propulsion system, the TDS-01 will also be equipped with indigenously developed traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA). These components are essential for various communications and remote sensing payloads, and their successful deployment will mark a major achievement for India’s space technology capabilities.

Past Use – Future Projects

ISRO first experimented with electric propulsion in 2017 using a system imported from Russia to power South Asia’s GSAT-9 satellite. But this time, all the components have been developed in India.

President Somanath also provided an update on the NASA-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, stating that the radar antenna reflector was delivered by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and integration with the satellite is in progress. The NISAR satellite is scheduled to be launched in February 2025.

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