InspeCity’s Growth in Space-Tech Funding
InspeCity is making significant strides in the space-tech industry by securing Rs 100 crore (approx. $10.5 million) in a pre-Series A funding round. This funding was co-led by Speciale Invest and Ashish Kacholia, with additional contributions from Antler Elevate, Antler India, Manish Gandhi, and Shastra VC. Based in Mumbai, InspeCity had previously raised $5.6 million (around Rs 46 crore) during its seed funding round, which was led by Ashish Kacholia and supported by Speciale Invest, Shastra VC, Antler India, DeVC, MGF-Kavachh, and Anicut Capital in May of last year. Prior to that, the company successfully attracted $1.5 million in a pre-seed funding round through Speciale Invest and other investors.
The latest funding will be directed towards flight qualifications and the expansion of commercial operations, as stated by InspeCity in an official press release. Established in 2022 by Arindrajit Chowdhury, the startup is focused on developing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) technologies aimed at extending the lifespan of satellites and tackling the issue of space debris.
Innovative Technologies for Satellite Lifespan Extension
InspeCity is working on an innovative solution named Vehicle for Life-Extension and Deorbiting Activities (VEDA). This autonomous in-space servicing architecture is designed to extend satellite lifetimes and progressively facilitate more advanced orbital servicing. The company is dissecting satellite life extension into essential capabilities necessary for autonomous operations in space.
Key Technologies Under Development
Among the key technologies being developed are GITA (Green Impulse TrAnsmitter) for spacecraft propulsion and mobility; CHAKSU (Comprehensive AI-enabled satellite-tracking Sensor Unit) for navigation, sensing, and proximity operations; RAMA (Remotely Actuated Motorized Arm) for robotic manipulation; and SPARSH (Self-aligning Port for Autonomous Refueling and Satellite Housekeeping) for collaborative docking and in-orbit propellant transfer. Collectively, these technologies serve as foundational elements for increasingly sophisticated orbital platforms, including RIG (Remote Inspection and Guidance), VEDA, and SAMA (Space-Based Maintenance Asset).
Future Missions and Objectives
Over the next 12 to 18 months, InspeCity aims to carry out four in-orbit missions as part of its RIG-X, VEDA-X, and SAMA-X mission roadmap. These missions will progressively validate the company’s capabilities in propulsion, sensing, autonomous operations, robotics, docking, and refueling in space.
Numerous prominent space-tech startups have also attracted substantial funding recently. Skyroot Aerospace raised $50 million in a Series C round, while EtherealX secured $21 million in Series A funding, and Bellatrix Aerospace raised $20 million in its Series A funding. Earlier, Digantara received $50 million in Series B funding in December 2025. Additionally, Agnikul Cosmos raised Rs 150 crore in a Series C round in November 2025. Other companies, such as Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, and Pixxel, are contributing to the strengthening of the ecosystem through satellite infrastructure, earth observation, and space-data solutions.