Indian full-stack Space Engineering solutions provider Dhruva Space is pleased to announce a collaboration with a leading Singaporean Space semiconductor manufacturer Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to advance the capabilities of its On-Board Computer (OBC) subsystem. Dhruva Space will leverage ZES’ highly efficient LDAP-IC-ZES100 in Dhruva Space’s OBC for upcoming missions to protect (Commercial-off-the-Shelf) electronics from radiation-induced micro-SEL/SEL. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of Dhruva Space’s satellite technology, paving the way for more versatile and robust Space missions.
The cooperation focuses on integrating cutting-edge semiconductor technology into Dhruva Space’s OBC subsystem, a critical component responsible for managing satellite operations and payload controls. By leveraging advanced semiconductor innovations, this upgrade will enhance the subsystem’s performance, reliability, and processing power. Dhruva Space’s association with Singapore’s ZES offers crucial access to advanced semiconductor technology, while strategically navigating supply chain challenges. It also highlights the long-standing Indo-Singaporean bilateral Space cooperation that has been in place since 2011.
Dhruva Space’s expertise lies in designing and developing satellite buses for diverse payloads across various classes. The company’s expertise extends to creating sophisticated satellite subsystems such as On-Board Computer, Electric Power System (EPS), Attitude Determination Control System (ADCS), and Space-grade Solar Arrays, many of which have acquired Space heritage from the company’s maiden satellite launch, the Thybolt Mission of 2022, and from the company’s LEAP-TD mission in January 2024. Dhruva Space handles all satellite bus development in-house, ensuring rigorous quality and integration, while also leveraging Hyderabad’s trusted vendor ecosystem, which has longstanding ties with the Indian Space program, thus enhancing Dhruva Space’s capability to deliver reliable, cost-effective and advanced Space solutions.
Leveraging unprecedented research, Space semiconductor technologies, and novel intellectual property, ZES provides high-reliability semiconductor integrated circuits and solutions to enable and enhance radiation hardening capabilities of electronic circuits in industries including Space, Aerospace, and Automotive. Pairing ZES proprietary technology with advanced COTS (Commercial- off-the-Shelf) devices will enable highly intelligent and cost-effective technology that is built to mitigate Radiation-induced SEE (Single Event Effects), in particular to SEL (Single Event Latchup) mitigation. A single-event latch-up (SEL) occurs when a single high-energy particle, such as heavy ions or protons from Cosmic rays or Solar flares, triggers a latch-up condition. To fully mitigate the risk of SEL, various manufacturing techniques can be employed as part of a comprehensive Radiation hardening strategy.
Zero-Error Systems (ZES) provides high-reliability semiconductor Integrated Circuits (ICs) and reliability testing-evaluation services that enable higher functionality, lower cost, longer lifetime and higher power efficiency for Space.
More specifically, the LDAP-IC ‘ZES100’ from ZES is designed to protect Space electronics from radiation-induced micro-SEL/SEL. The device detects early signs of potential problems and manages power to prevent damage, even from long-term radiation exposure. Its high integration and robust protection makes it ideal for ensuring the reliability of advanced commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices in challenging Space environments.
The collaboration between Dhruva Space and ZES will enable Dhruva Space’s OBC subsystem to support a diverse range of payload-agnostic missions. Whether conducting Earth Observation missions, Communication payloads, or scientific experiments, the upgraded OBC will offer the flexibility and efficiency required for various mission profiles.
Remarking on the landmark development, Abhay Egoor, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder, Dhruva Space, states, “Our collaboration with ZES represents a significant leap forward in our mission to advance satellite technology. By incorporating the latest semiconductor advancements into our OBC subsystem, we are setting new benchmarks for mission versatility and operational reliability. We are particularly excited about how ZES’ technology will enhance our capabilities for Dhruva Space’s upcoming series of hosted payload missions, with three launches already in the pipeline.”
Gundala Niranjan, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at ZES-HQ in Singapore, states that ZES’ products and solutions will elevate COTS devices to Space-grade standards, adding, “Through this collaboration with Dhruva Space, the upgraded reliability of the OBC subsystem will offer longer Orbital-lifetime for satellites, contributing to sustainability in Space”.
The upgraded OBC subsystem is expected to be deployed in upcoming satellite missions, providing enhanced capabilities that will contribute to the success of various Space exploration and research initiatives.
Dhruva Space and ZES consolidated this collaboration during the 38th Annual Small Satellite Conference at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, in the United States of America. Also known as ‘SmallSat’, this conference is a must-attend for the broader small satellite community, highlighting the latest innovations, concepts and capabilities in the field.
