Catch me if you can: This Bengaluru startup wants to catch dying satellites in space
The company is developing technology that can physically rendezvous with satellites already operating in orbit, dock with them and extend their lifespan, save millions of dollars in the process.
As the global space economy expands and thousands of satellites power communication, navigation and broadcasting services, a major challenge looms, what happens when these satellites run out of fuel or drift out of position? A Bengaluru-based space robotics startup, Aule Space, believes it has the answer.
The company is developing technology that can physically rendezvous with satellites already operating in orbit, dock with them and extend their lifespan, potentially saving millions of dollars and reducing space debris.
Jay Panchal, CEO and co-founder of Aule Space, in a detailed conversation with IndiaToday.in, revealed how the company is working to build a robotic servicing infrastructure that could become essential as humanity continues to expand its presence in space.
“We want to build and operate the robotic workforce for the space economy,” Panchal said, outlining the company’s long-term vision. “Over the next decade, large-scale infrastructure will go up in space, and all of it will need servicing. We want to build that capability.”
HOW TO CATCH SATELLITES IN SPACE?
At the core of Aule Space’s innovation is technology known as Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD). The system allows one spacecraft to approach another satellite, dock with it, and perform servicing operations.
The startup, which recently raised $2 million in fresh funding, is building its entire docking technology stack in-house.
This includes advanced computer vision systems that help identify and track target satellites, artificial intelligence-driven guidance and navigation software that enables autonomous spacecraft movement, and a docking mechanism capable of working with a large portion of commercial satellites already operating in space.
Currently, Aule Space is focusing on increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of its docking system through extensive simulation and ground-based testing.
Panchal said the company’s approach differs from several existing concepts being explored globally. Some satellite servicing technologies require spacecraft to be designed with special refuelling or docking interfaces before launch. Aule Space, however, is focusing on servicing satellites that are already in orbit.
“Our technology is designed to work with existing satellites without requiring them to have special docking ports,” Panchal said. “This unlocks the ability to extend the life of satellites already operating in space.”
JETPACKS FOR SATELLITES
Aule Space’s first commercial product is being conceptualised as “jetpack satellites”. These spacecraft will dock with ageing satellites and take over propulsion duties, helping them maintain orbital position and continue operating.
Satellites rely on propulsion systems to counteract external forces and stay in their designated orbital slots. Once fuel runs out, satellites typically become unusable, even if other systems remain functional.
“The number one reason satellites go out of operation today is fuel depletion,” Panchal explained. “Our jetpack satellites will dock with them and act as their new propulsion system.”
According to Panchal, this solution could extend the operational life of satellites by five to six years, a period that aligns with most commercial contract cycles and ensures continued revenue generation for satellite operators.
In theory, the technology could potentially double a satellite’s lifespan.
WHERE IN SPACE WILL THEY CATCH SATELLITES?
While Aule Space plans to demonstrate its docking technology in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), nearly 400 kilometres above Earth, its primary commercial focus lies in the geostationary orbit (GEO) segment. GEO satellites operate at approximately 36,000 kilometres above Earth and play a crucial role in television broadcasting, internet services, and global communications.
These satellites are significantly more expensive than their LEO counterparts, with individual spacecraft costing up to $500 million and generating revenues of nearly $100 million annually.
“There are satellites worth over $100 billion in geostationary orbit alone,” Panchal said. “Extending their life even by a few years makes strong economic sense.”
Unlike LEO satellites, which eventually fall back into Earth’s atmosphere due to drag, GEO satellites remain in orbit indefinitely. Once they are retired, they are moved into what is known as a “graveyard orbit” to avoid interfering with operational satellites. Aule Space aims to service satellites before they reach that stage.
WHY IS DOCKING IN SPACE A BIG CHALLENGE?
Docking with satellites presents major technological challenges. Panchal compares the task to landing an aircraft in complete darkness without runway lights or air traffic control guidance.
In space, satellites can appear as faint moving objects against a star-filled background, making identification and tracking extremely difficult. Additionally, communication delays between spacecraft and ground stations make real-time human control impractical.
“You need an AI pilot onboard that can guide the spacecraft autonomously,” Panchal said.
The company is addressing these challenges by developing advanced sensing systems that can determine the distance and orientation of target satellites. Aule Space has also built specialised ground testing facilities to simulate space conditions.
One such setup uses air-bearing platforms to recreate microgravity conditions, allowing satellites to float on frictionless surfaces for docking simulations. Another testing facility involves dark-room environments with mock satellite models to generate image datasets for training computer vision algorithms.
“These datasets do not currently exist because we rarely have close-up images of satellites in space,” Panchal said.
WHEN WILL AULE SPACE SHOW DOCKING IN SPACE?
Aule Space is planning its first in-space demonstration mission next year. The mission is expected to involve two satellites performing multiple docking manoeuvres at increasing distances to validate the company’s technology.
The company is currently conducting ground-based testing to ensure high reliability before the demonstration launch.
Although Aule Space operates as a private venture, it is leveraging India’s growing space ecosystem for technical support. Panchal said the startup is receiving advisory assistance from experts who previously worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The company also plans to utilise the testing infrastructure developed for India’s satellite docking missions. Several former ISRO scientists are working as consultants for the startup.
MONEY IS KING IN SPACE
Satellite servicing is still an emerging global market, with only a few successful missions conducted so far. Panchal cited a comparable mission by US aerospace firm Northrop Grumman, which charged approximately $13 million per year for extending a satellite’s life.
He believes Indian startups could offer similar services at significantly lower costs.
“Operating from India gives us a cost advantage,” Panchal said. “Lower costs could help more satellite operators justify life-extension missions.”
As satellite constellations grow and space infrastructure expands, Panchal believes robotic servicing will become essential to maintain orbital assets and reduce space debris.
“With more infrastructure going into space, servicing will become unavoidable,” he said. “We want to be among the companies building that foundation.”
If successful, Aule Space’s technology could mark a major step towards making satellite servicing routine, transforming how spacecraft are maintained and potentially reshaping the economics of the global space industry.
As the global space economy expands and thousands of satellites power communication, navigation and broadcasting services, a major challenge looms, what happens when these satellites run out of fuel or drift out of position? A Bengaluru-based space robotics startup, Aule Space, believes it has the answer.
The company is developing technology that can physically rendezvous with satellites already operating in orbit, dock with them and extend their lifespan, potentially saving millions of dollars and reducing space debris.
Jay Panchal, CEO and co-founder of Aule Space, in a detailed conversation with IndiaToday.in, revealed how the company is working to build a robotic servicing infrastructure that could become essential as humanity continues to expand its presence in space.
“We want to build and operate the robotic workforce for the space economy,” Panchal said, outlining the company’s long-term vision. “Over the next decade, large-scale infrastructure will go up in space, and all of it will need servicing. We want to build that capability.”
HOW TO CATCH SATELLITES IN SPACE?
At the core of Aule Space’s innovation is technology known as Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD). The system allows one spacecraft to approach another satellite, dock with it, and perform servicing operations.
The startup, which recently raised $2 million in fresh funding, is building its entire docking technology stack in-house.
This includes advanced computer vision systems that help identify and track target satellites, artificial intelligence-driven guidance and navigation software that enables autonomous spacecraft movement, and a docking mechanism capable of working with a large portion of commercial satellites already operating in space.
Currently, Aule Space is focusing on increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of its docking system through extensive simulation and ground-based testing.
Panchal said the company’s approach differs from several existing concepts being explored globally. Some satellite servicing technologies require spacecraft to be designed with special refuelling or docking interfaces before launch. Aule Space, however, is focusing on servicing satellites that are already in orbit.
“Our technology is designed to work with existing satellites without requiring them to have special docking ports,” Panchal said. “This unlocks the ability to extend the life of satellites already operating in space.”
JETPACKS FOR SATELLITES
Aule Space’s first commercial product is being conceptualised as “jetpack satellites”. These spacecraft will dock with ageing satellites and take over propulsion duties, helping them maintain orbital position and continue operating.
Satellites rely on propulsion systems to counteract external forces and stay in their designated orbital slots. Once fuel runs out, satellites typically become unusable, even if other systems remain functional.
“The number one reason satellites go out of operation today is fuel depletion,” Panchal explained. “Our jetpack satellites will dock with them and act as their new propulsion system.”
According to Panchal, this solution could extend the operational life of satellites by five to six years, a period that aligns with most commercial contract cycles and ensures continued revenue generation for satellite operators.
In theory, the technology could potentially double a satellite’s lifespan.
WHERE IN SPACE WILL THEY CATCH SATELLITES?
While Aule Space plans to demonstrate its docking technology in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), nearly 400 kilometres above Earth, its primary commercial focus lies in the geostationary orbit (GEO) segment. GEO satellites operate at approximately 36,000 kilometres above Earth and play a crucial role in television broadcasting, internet services, and global communications.
These satellites are significantly more expensive than their LEO counterparts, with individual spacecraft costing up to $500 million and generating revenues of nearly $100 million annually.
“There are satellites worth over $100 billion in geostationary orbit alone,” Panchal said. “Extending their life even by a few years makes strong economic sense.”
Unlike LEO satellites, which eventually fall back into Earth’s atmosphere due to drag, GEO satellites remain in orbit indefinitely. Once they are retired, they are moved into what is known as a “graveyard orbit” to avoid interfering with operational satellites. Aule Space aims to service satellites before they reach that stage.
WHY IS DOCKING IN SPACE A BIG CHALLENGE?
Docking with satellites presents major technological challenges. Panchal compares the task to landing an aircraft in complete darkness without runway lights or air traffic control guidance.
In space, satellites can appear as faint moving objects against a star-filled background, making identification and tracking extremely difficult. Additionally, communication delays between spacecraft and ground stations make real-time human control impractical.
“You need an AI pilot onboard that can guide the spacecraft autonomously,” Panchal said.
The company is addressing these challenges by developing advanced sensing systems that can determine the distance and orientation of target satellites. Aule Space has also built specialised ground testing facilities to simulate space conditions.
One such setup uses air-bearing platforms to recreate microgravity conditions, allowing satellites to float on frictionless surfaces for docking simulations. Another testing facility involves dark-room environments with mock satellite models to generate image datasets for training computer vision algorithms.
“These datasets do not currently exist because we rarely have close-up images of satellites in space,” Panchal said.
WHEN WILL AULE SPACE SHOW DOCKING IN SPACE?
Aule Space is planning its first in-space demonstration mission next year. The mission is expected to involve two satellites performing multiple docking manoeuvres at increasing distances to validate the company’s technology.
The company is currently conducting ground-based testing to ensure high reliability before the demonstration launch.
Although Aule Space operates as a private venture, it is leveraging India’s growing space ecosystem for technical support. Panchal said the startup is receiving advisory assistance from experts who previously worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The company also plans to utilise the testing infrastructure developed for India’s satellite docking missions. Several former ISRO scientists are working as consultants for the startup.
MONEY IS KING IN SPACE
Satellite servicing is still an emerging global market, with only a few successful missions conducted so far. Panchal cited a comparable mission by US aerospace firm Northrop Grumman, which charged approximately $13 million per year for extending a satellite’s life.
He believes Indian startups could offer similar services at significantly lower costs.
“Operating from India gives us a cost advantage,” Panchal said. “Lower costs could help more satellite operators justify life-extension missions.”
As satellite constellations grow and space infrastructure expands, Panchal believes robotic servicing will become essential to maintain orbital assets and reduce space debris.
“With more infrastructure going into space, servicing will become unavoidable,” he said. “We want to be among the companies building that foundation.”
If successful, Aule Space’s technology could mark a major step towards making satellite servicing routine, transforming how spacecraft are maintained and potentially reshaping the economics of the global space industry.