India’s OrbitAID Aerospace In Talks With ISRO, SpaceX For Twin Satellite Mission

Indian space start up OrbitAID Aerospace Pvt Ltd is searching for a launcher to orbit two satellites that would carry out docking, undocking, fuel and power transfer, said a top company official. 

“We are in talks with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and SpaceX to launch our two satellites. Depending on the availability of the rocket for our two satellites we will decide on the launcher,” R.Sakthikumar, Founder and CEO said. 

The two satellites—referred to as the target and the chaser—are designed to carry out autonomous docking and in-orbit refuelling operations.  

The mission is intended to validate on-orbit refuelling technology and demonstrate the concept of life-extension pods that could extend the operational lifespan of satellites already in space, Sakthikumar said. 

Both the satellites will weigh about 110 kg with each weighing differently. 

“The satellite bus will be ours. We will buy the components within India and import some,” Sakthikumar remarked. 

According to Sakthikumar, apart from refuelling, life extension of an orbiting satellite also involves OrbitAID docking its satellite with the one that needs life support. 

“Simply put, it is like towing a vehicle on the road. Our satellite will get attached to the orbiting satellite. We will be maneuvering our satellite as per the client’s needs. On the other hand, the payloads of the satellite whose life has been extended will be operated by the client,” Sakthikumar explained. 

OrbitAID can offer the life extension services even for satellites that are orbiting now. OrbitAID’s satellites will have the necessary facilities to latch on an in-orbit satellite. 

Sakthikumar said talks are on with Indian satellite start ups to design their satellites with refuelling facilities. 

Life Extension-Satellite Towing In Space

Life extensions as well as refuelling of orbiting satellites will make business sense only when it is for a minimum of four years. Further the customer satellites should weigh not less than 25 kg, Sakthikumar said. 

OrbitAID plans to offer its services for satellites in geosynchronous stationary and low earth orbits. 

“We plan to start our commercial operations by the end of next year or during the first quarter of 2028,” he added. 

The company will launch two satellites for life extensions and by 2030 about 6-7 satellites. 

Notably, ISRO has already demonstrated docking, undocking and power transfer capabilities through its SpaDeX mission, in which two small spacecraft—each weighing around 220 kg and designated SDX-01 (Target) and SDX-02 (Chaser).

But OrbitAID will be the first private sector company to attempt such a venture.

Unfazed at the loss of maiden AayulSat flown on PSLV

Despite the loss of its maiden satellite, AayulSat-outlay about $1 million- which failed to reach its intended orbit following a PSLV rocket mishap on January 12, 2026, Sakthikumar though disappointed remains unfazed. 

Aayul, the name of the satellite, means “life” in Tamil. 

Sakthikumar said the company has raised about $1.5 million and plans to raise about $15 million in the next round. 

“We hope to close the fund raising in 4-5 months time,” he said. 

The company will also increase its headcount by 20 to 45 in a couple of months time.