Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme

• A green propulsion system, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58 mission.
• The project — 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro satellite — was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd, which was the development agency.

ABOUT TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND (TDF) SCHEME

• The TDF is a flagship programme of Ministry of Defence.
• It is executed by Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• The scheme encourages participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs to create an eco-system for enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence application.
• It provides Grant-in-Aid to industries as well as academic and scientific institutions for development of Defence and dualuse technologies in India.
• It aims to create a bridge amongst the Armed Forces, research organizations, etc., with private sector entities.