ISro's Head honcho unveils innovative space tech venture OrbitAID's fresh research center in Bengaluru
Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), recently inaugurated a new Research and Development (R&D) facility belonging to OrbitAID Aerospace in Bengaluru. The 6500 sq. ft. facility, which comes with an investment of over $2 million, marks a significant step in OrbitAID's journey towards making India a leader in space sustainability.
The state-of-the-art facility includes a high-end control room, class 10000 cleanroom, and fuel transfer facilities for assembling and integrating satellites. OrbitAID's focus on advancing sustainable space operations is evident in its new development, the TRL 7 docking and refueling interface SIDRP.
OrbitAID's SIDRP aims to ensure sustainable satellite operations, reduce space debris, and enhance the long-term viability of space infrastructure. The company's Founder & CEO, Sakthikumar Ramachandran, stated that the facility begins a new story in OrbitAID's journey in making India the champion of space sustainability at a global stage.
The facility will also serve as India's first private propellant handling and satellite servicing hub. OrbitAID's plans for the future include establishing a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu and expanding its footprint in the region.
In addition, the fuel station aims to extend the lifespan of satellites by enabling efficient refueling and maintenance. This aligns with ISRO's recent openness to private players in the space ecosystem, as the organisation invites companies specializing in On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR) technologies to work with them in upcoming missions.
However, no specific company names have been publicly disclosed in connection with ISRO's collaborations. OrbitAID, positioned to provide life extension services for current and upcoming satellites in both Indian and global markets, is poised to play a significant role in this new era of space collaboration.
Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner of Unicorn India Ventures, is proud to be one of the early backers of OrbitAID. The R&D facility, which is India's largest commercial and one of the world's biggest for Rendezvous Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD) infrastructure, underscores the importance of providing services such as life extension for satellites in shaping the future of India's space ecosystem.
OrbitAID's new facility and developments underscore the company's commitment to building a circular economy for the global space tech ecosystem. The goal is to create a future where satellites can be sustainably operated, reducing space debris and ensuring the long-term viability of space infrastructure. With its new facility and innovative technologies, OrbitAID is well on its way to making this vision a reality.
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