Imagine a world where satellites can be refueled in space and extend their lifespan to make space operations more sustainable than today. Yes, this is no longer a fantasy and let us thank to Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID for its bold new course in India’s downstream space sector. It is supported by the Tamil Nadu government and incubated at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science. It is on track to conduct a trial run for its fuel tanker satellite by April 2025. It has plans of launching its first operational satellite thereafter by 2026 and set a milestone for themselves as well as for India’s private space sector.
The idea of a “space fuel station” may sound ambitious, but it in fact addresses a real problem in the space sector. Satellites are today important for communication, navigation and surveillance. These are usually designed to carry fuel for about 15 years. They lose orbit, turn into debris and clutter space after their fuel runs out. The solution of OrbitAID is simple and revolutionary as it has come up with an innovation of sending tanker satellites to refuel the aging satellites and giving them a new lease on life. It is to save costs and also reduce space junk.
OrbitAID was founders by Sakthikumar Ramachandran and Nikhil Balasubramanian. The two faced obstacles when first proposed their idea about a decade ago. They approached a prominent scientist in Bengaluru and were told to “get a real job” instead of chasing an unrealistic dream. Their families doubted too on their vision, but they didn’t give up. Years of perseverance, research and collaboration later it is proved that they were not wrong. The same scientist now acknowledges their achievement and calls it a remarkable leap forward.
The work of OrbitAID is a reflection of a broader shift in India’s space industry and it is that the startups are stepping up to innovate in areas like on-orbit servicing. It is estimated to be a $6 billion market for satellite refueling alone. This is not just about business, but also about redefining India’s role in the global space race.
Sakthikumar grew up in a small Tamil Nadu town and nurtured his passion for space despite limited resources. It is very clear that India’s space sector is entering a new era as OrbitAID prepares to turn its vision into reality.
