Dhruva Space and Exotrail ink first contract for propulsion systems
With this contract for 14 spaceware™ - micro systems to be delivered by 2027, Exotrail, the France-based electric propulsion provider is thrilled to add Dhruva space, Indian expert in satellite platforms and mission operations, to its customers. Dhruva Space provides for its customers comprehensive mission delivery infrastructure, spanning satellite manufacturing, launch integration, and ground operations, enabling seamless execution from build to sustained on-orbit service. Within its satellite segment, Dhruva Space designs, develops, and deploys bespoke modular micro and mini satellites, serving civil, defence, and international commercial customers through hosted payload and dedicated missions, across various applications including Earth Observation, communications, technology demonstration, and scientific research.
Exotrail’s spaceware™ portfolio enables Dhruva Space customers to benefit from Exotrail’s world-class propulsion solutions to fly all their cutting edge missions. spaceware™, and its nano, micro, mini and cluster product configurations, is Exotrail’s space-proven Hall-Effect electric propulsion system for satellites ranging from 10 to 1,000 kg. spaceware™ - micro is a 150W propulsion system delivering more than 7mN of thrust for missions up to 60kNs and more. Exotrail’s spaceware™ thrusters provide an unrivalled trade-off between thrust compared to mass and volume efficiency.
Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, Exotrail ensures Dhruva Space with efficient maneuvers and flexibility, maximizing the windows of stability for the platform.The system now holds more than 600 hours of firing in orbit and 2000 cycles, notably proven onboard Exotrail own servicing satellite, the spacevan™. With more than 150 units in backlog for customers all around the world, spaceware™ - micro manufacturing pace is increasing in a 1300m² (140.000ft/sq) world-class industrial facilities installed in 2025. Thanks to its high level of thrust and modularity, spaceware™ also drastically improves satellite deployment, increases service performance, and contributes to the reduction of space pollution – a global challenge to answer collectively.
A collaboration that fuels the Indian-French dynamic in Space
This commercial contract was announced on 17 February 2026 during the inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation, a landmark bilateral initiative that reflects a Space partnership between the two countries dating back to the 1960s. Inaugurated in Mumbai, India, by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, alongside the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, the initiative underscores the maturation of India–France cooperation; from early Scientific collaboration to today’s commercial and strategic Space engagement.
Space is a fundamental element of the cooperation between France and India, as suggested by Exotrail being invited to partake in the French delegation of companies following the French President. Both Dhruva Space and Exotrail are strategic players as well as partners of their national public authorities. The two companies are proud to strengthen the relation between the two countries through this collaboration, at the service of Earth Observation notably.
Jean-Luc Maria, CEO of Exotrail, declares :“I am thankful that Dhruva Space entrusted Exotrail for the propulsion of its satellites and thrilled to announce this partnership in the frame of the Indian-French innovation year. This contract is also a partnership between two new generation key stakeholders, and underlines spaceware™ systems as the go-to solution across the world.”
