In an exciting development, Azista BST Aerospace, an Indian company, has successfully launched its first satellite, ABA First Runner (AFR), aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-8 Mission. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company and sets the stage for India to become a hub for satellite mass manufacturing.
The launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California from Space Launch Complex 4E. Alongside India’s AFR, the Falcon 9 carried a total of 72 spacecraft, including CubeSats, MicroSats, a re-entry capsule, and orbital transfer vehicles.
With the successful launch of the ABA First Runner (AFR) satellite, Azista BST Aerospace is propelling India into the global space race, showcasing the nation’s capabilities in satellite manufacturing.
The AFR satellite, weighing 80 kilograms, was constructed on a modular bus platform and features a cutting-edge optical remote sensing payload with both panchromatic and multispectral imaging capabilities. According to the company, AFR is the first satellite of its size and performance built by India’s private space industry, with the ability to support various critical applications for civilian and defense purposes.
Azista BST Aerospace, headquartered in Ahmedabad, boasts a production capacity of at least two satellites per week at its impressive 50,000-square-foot facility. The company is actively encouraging researchers and organizations interested in leveraging fresh satellite data for geospatial applications to collaborate and benefit from this exciting opportunity.
Azista BST Aerospace’s state-of-the-art facility in Ahmedabad boasts an impressive production capacity of at least two satellites per week. This remarkable speed highlights their commitment to meeting the growing demand for satellite technology.
Azista BST Aerospace is already looking ahead and working on developing the next series of satellites to showcase its capabilities with versatile payloads using modular satellite buses. They plan to launch several of these satellites within the next two years.
The successful launch of AFR by Azista BST Aerospace signifies a major step forward for the Indian space industry, with the company’s contributions playing an essential role in advancing the sector.
Image : Azista BST Aerospace (ABA)
