Named after Kerala river Nila, India’s first private payload hosting satellite launched
Thiruvananthapuram: Marking a momentous achievement in the country’s space sector, Technopark-based small satellite manufacturing company HEX20 has successfully launched and established contact with ‘Nila’, India’s first private payload hosting satellite.
Developed in just four months, ‘Nila’ was launched via Berlin-based satellite deployer company Exolaunch aboard SpaceX Transporter-13 on March 15 at 12:13 pm (IST). The successful separation from the launch vehicle occurred less than an hour later at 1:07 pm (IST), a Technopark statement confirmed.
‘Nila’ represents a significant step forward in private satellite technology and innovation, it said.
Beacon signal received at HEX20’s control centre
A critical milestone was reached when the beacon signal was received at HEX20’s Satellite Control Center on March 16, following hours of anticipation.
As part of this mission, HEX20 carried Release Actuators as the payload from German space company Dcubed, demonstrating its commitment to fostering global partnerships for rideshare missions, the statement said.
The satellite is named after Kerala’s culturally significant river Nila. Interestingly, Technopark also has a building named Nila, where HEX20 is located.
Commissioning from Marian Engineering College
The HEX20 team will be conducting the commissioning of ‘Nila’ from its recently inaugurated Ground Station located at Marian Engineering College, Menamkulam, ensuring the satellite’s operational capabilities and mission success.
HEX20 is training a team of faculty members and students at the college in operating the ground station facility.
Future missions and expansion
MB Aravind, Co-Founder & Director, HEX20, said, “This mission was about more than just launching a satellite—it was about proving what’s possible when passion meets innovation. HEX20 extends its gratitude to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for their unwavering support in enabling this mission, as well as to all partners and supporters who contributed to this success.”
He added, “This launch marks the beginning of many more ambitious endeavours from HEX20 and its partners in the evolving landscape of space exploration.”
Anurag Reghu, CTO & Co-Founder, HEX20, said, “Next year, we look forward to flying our 50 kg satellite on ISRO’s launch vehicle. Along with offering our customizable and high-performance spacecraft and components, we aim to enhance the current capabilities of institutions and private organisations globally through our FlatSats and capacity-building programmes.”
Besides aiming to boost efforts in creating a space ecosystem, HEX20 set up its state-of-the-art R&D facility at Technopark, India’s first IT Park, on May 1, 2023.
“This year, we plan to expand our lab facilities to support the development of multiple satellites. This facility is well-positioned to serve as the ultimate catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in the state’s space technology field,” Anurag said.
HEX20’s global footprint
HEX20, which has a presence in Australia, the UAE, and Taiwan, has partnered with the domestic manufacturing network that plays a pivotal role in ISRO missions.
It builds payload-agnostic satellite platforms and offers satellite mission as a service and payload hosting capabilities to its customers, the statement added.