- OrbitAID, India’s pioneering On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR) space-tech startup, unveils its cutting-edge 6,500 sq ft R&D facility backed by over $2 million in investment
- The advanced facility will enable OrbitAID to deliver life-extension refueling services to existing satellites and future orbital missions
- The facility establishes India’s largest commercial Rendezvous Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD) infrastructure, ranking among the world’s most advanced satellite servicing centers
- State-of-the-art infrastructure includes a sophisticated mission control room, ISO Class 10,000 cleanroom environment, and specialized fuel transfer systems for satellite assembly and integration
- Building on ISRO’s successful SPADeX mission, OrbitAID’s new R&D center marks a pivotal milestone in positioning India as a global leader in space sustainability
- Distinguished international guests at the inauguration ceremony included His Excellency Achim Burkart (Consul General of Germany), His Excellency Giandomenico Milano (Consul General of Italy), His Excellency Beat Schmid (Deputy Consul General of Switzerland), and Mr. Sivarajah Ramanathan from StartupTN
- OrbitAID announces strategic expansion into Tamil Nadu with plans to establish India’s first private satellite manufacturing facility and comprehensive ecosystem partnerships
- The expansion will strengthen collaborative networks with universities, startups, and international partners across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to accelerate innovation and growth
Bengaluru, India – September 17, 2025 – OrbitAID Aerospace, India’s first space-tech startup specializing in On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR), unveiled its state-of-the-art 6,500 sq ft Research and Development facility in Bengaluru. The facility, representing an investment of over $2 million, was officially inaugurated by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
World-Class Infrastructure for Space Sustainability
The new facility establishes India’s largest commercial Rendezvous Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD) infrastructure, positioning it among the world’s most advanced facilities for satellite servicing and refueling operations. The cutting-edge facility features:
- Advanced control room for RPOD facility operations
- Class 10,000 cleanroom environment
- Specialized fuel transfer facilities for satellite assembly and integration
- Comprehensive testing capabilities for mission-critical components
This milestone follows the success of ISRO’s SPADeX mission and represents a significant leap forward in India’s journey toward global leadership in space sustainability.
ISRO Chairman Endorses Private Space Innovation
Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, praised OrbitAID’s achievements during the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the critical importance of developing docking and refueling interface technologies for satellite life extension services. He highlighted ISRO’s evolving approach to private sector collaboration, noting that future missions will actively invite companies specializing in OOSR technologies to partner with the organization.
“The development of technologies such as docking and refueling interfaces, along with life extension services for satellites, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s space ecosystem,” Dr. Narayanan stated.
Technology Leadership with Global Impact
Sakthikumar Ramachandran, Founder & CEO of OrbitAID, outlined the company’s ambitious vision: “This facility marks a new chapter in OrbitAID’s mission to position India as the global champion of space sustainability. Combined with our TRL 7 docking and refueling interface SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port), we are uniquely positioned to provide life extension services for current and future satellites in both Indian and international markets.”
Strategic Expansion Plans
OrbitAID has announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, creating India’s first private propellant handling and satellite servicing hub. This expansion aims to build a circular economy for the global space technology ecosystem through:
- Enhanced manufacturing capabilities
- Strategic partnerships with local universities and startups
- Collaboration with international partners
- Comprehensive ecosystem development
The dual-facility approach will serve as the foundation for developing and validating critical subsystems essential for OrbitAID’s future missions and India’s OOSR technology leadership.
Strong Investor Confidence
Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, OrbitAID’s early investor, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s progress: “We are proud to support OrbitAID’s journey. They have demonstrated that ambitious goals can be achieved with capital efficiency and focused execution. Having Dr. Narayanan inaugurate this state-of-the-art facility provides the encouragement and validation that OrbitAID deserves as they continue their expansion.”
International Recognition and Support
The inauguration ceremony drew significant international attention, with distinguished attendees including:
- His Excellency Achim Burkart, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany
- His Excellency Giandomenico Milano, Consul General of the Italian Republic
- His Excellency Beat Schmid, Deputy Consul General of the Swiss Federation
- Mr. Sivarajah Ramanathan from StartupTN
- Shreya Ganesh from Unicorn India Ventures
The event also welcomed officials from ISRO, the Indian Space Association (ISpA), defense representatives, policymakers, academic leaders, and space industry executives.
Addressing the Global Space Challenge
OrbitAID’s innovative approach addresses a critical challenge in the space industry: satellite end-of-life management and orbital sustainability. By developing advanced refueling capabilities, the company aims to:
- Extend satellite operational lifespans significantly
- Reduce space debris through sustainable operations
- Enhance long-term space infrastructure viability
- Support both commercial and defense sector requirements
About OrbitAID Aerospace
OrbitAID Aerospace Pvt Ltd is a pioneering Indian startup advancing sustainable space operations through innovative on-orbit fueling solutions. The company is developing cutting-edge space-based fuel stations designed to extend satellite lifespans through efficient refueling and maintenance capabilities.
With its patented Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port (SIDRP), OrbitAID ensures sustainable satellite operations while reducing space debris and enhancing space infrastructure viability. Supported by investors including TANSIM and Unicorn India Ventures, OrbitAID’s solutions serve both commercial and defense sectors, establishing the company as a leader in sustainable space technology innovation.
About Unicorn India Ventures
Founded in 2016 by Bhaskar Majumdar and Anil Joshi, Unicorn India Ventures is a technology-focused early-stage venture fund investing in emerging and visionary startups. The firm has established itself as one of India’s best-performing early-stage funds through successful investments and exits.
- Fund I (₹100 crores): Invested in 17 companies including SmartCoin, Open Bank, Sequretek, Pharmarack, and Genrobotics
- Fund II (₹300 crores, launched 2020): Portfolio of 20 companies including Gamerji, Probus, Daalchini, and HiWi
- Fund III (₹1,000 crores): Currently closing with ₹225 crores in first close, targeting 20 deep tech startups in semiconductors, space tech, medical diagnostics, SaaS, and digital platforms
