India’s Dhruva Space has signed its first contract with France’s Exotrail for the delivery of electric propulsion systems, which is a major milestone in the Indo-French space manufacturing partnership.
As part of the deal, Exotrail will deliver 14 spaceware micro electric propulsion systems to Dhruva Space by 2027. This announcement comes as the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation has been launched in Mumbai, in the presence of Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi.
Electric propulsion to improve satellite agility:
The deal will see Exotrail’s 150W spaceware micro Hall-Effect propulsion systems integrated into Dhruva Space’s satellite platforms. The system is designed for satellites weighing between 10 kg and 1,000 kg and provides more than 7 mN of thrust and supports missions up to 60 kNs.
For Dhruva Space, which provides end-to-end mission services, including satellite manufacturing, launch integration, and ground operations, the propulsion systems will provide the necessary orbital agility and mission stability. The modular design of the propulsion system is expected to enhance deployment and mission longevity.
Exotrail’s propulsion technology has accumulated over 600 hours of firing in orbit and 2,000 operational cycles, including the validation on its own servicing vehicle, spacevan. With over 150 units in the backlog worldwide, the company has expanded its manufacturing capacity at its industrial facility set up in 2025.
Strengthening India-France space manufacturing collaborations:
The commercial agreement is a manifestation of the increasing industrial component of the India-France space collaboration. Both firms are strategic partners to their respective space ecosystems.
Dhruva Space is a provider of modular micro and mini satellites for Earth observation, communication, technology demonstration, and scientific missions. The addition of advanced electric propulsion will enable enhanced performance, efficient orbit raising, and debris removal, thereby contributing to responsible space operations.
The partnership is a testament to the increasing need for high-efficiency propulsion, satellite mobility solutions, and space infrastructure. With India’s increasing presence in the global small satellite industry, such collaborations signal the beginning of a new era of integrated high-value space manufacturing and export.
