TakeMe2Space: India’s First AI-Driven Space Laboratory

TakeMe2Space is a trailblazing startup from Hyderabad that strives to make space accessible to everyone through its pioneering AI-driven space laboratory. Founded by Ronak Kumar Samantray, this innovative company is set to revolutionise how individuals engage with satellites.

Democratising Space for All

Unlike conventional approaches that restrict satellite access to governments, defence agencies, or prestigious research institutions, TakeMe2Space aims to democratise space technology. The startup provides real-time satellite access to a diverse group, including students, researchers, and businesses.

According to Samantray, the company’s mission is to make it possible for anyone to engage with space projects: “Our objective is for anyone to be able to take their ideas to space.” With TakeMe2Space, individuals can control satellites from anywhere, whether they are in Kerala, Delhi, or even Antarctica.

Latest Developments and Future Goals

Recently, TakeMe2Space demonstrated its technology in collaboration with ISRO, validating its innovative approach. The next milestone includes the launch of two operational satellites within the year, with an ambitious vision of advancing computing capabilities in orbit.

The Growing Indian Space Economy

The Indian space economy was estimated to be worth approximately $8.4 billion as of last year, contributing to a 2% share of the global market. India currently operates 56 active space assets, including various communication, navigation, scientific, and earth observation satellites, as reported in the economic survey 2024-25.

With government objectives projecting the space economy to grow to £44 billion by 2033, including £11 billion in exports, TakeMe2Space believes space access can be as effortless as using a cloud computing service.

Empowering Future Generations in Space

Samantray’s passion for TakeMe2Space comes from his computer science background. Growing up with easy access to computers inspired his coding skills, yet he noticed a lack of opportunities for young enthusiasts to engage with space technology.

“For those interested in space, the options are limited to reading research or tinkering with electronics,” he stated. “Few get the chance to control their own satellite.”

TakeMe2Space plans to fill this gap by providing an AI-assisted satellite laboratory. Educational institutions can subscribe, allowing students to log in, upload programming code in languages such as Python or C++, and interact with actual satellites.

Wider Adoption Beyond Education

Although there has been interest from the education sector, it is noteworthy that many early clients are not universities. Of the 20 customers, only four are from academia, while 16 belong to geographical information systems (GIS) and data analytics sectors.

The pricing model offers “90 minutes of satellite time in orbit for ₹20,000,” providing a valuable service to various industries.

Redefining Data Collection with AI

AI plays a pivotal role in the TakeMe2Space model, distinguishing it from traditional satellite operations. Typically, satellites gather raw data that processes on Earth, while AI-equipped satellites can analyse images and make data collection decisions in space.

One experiment conducted by the University of Southampton in the TakeMe2Space AI lab showcased the use of a low-power AI algorithm to counteract motion blur in satellite images. Samantray explained, “As satellites travel at 7 km per second, capturing clear images can be quite challenging. AI enables real-time removal of motion blur.”

Optimising Resource Use Through AI

AI also enhances real-time object detection and change detection, allowing satellites to prioritise needed images for transmission, optimising bandwidth use.

“We are focused on empowering users with full control over the satellites,” Samantray stressed.

Addressing Security and Ethical Considerations

As TakeMe2Space opens satellite access to a wider audience, it also faces security and ethical challenges regarding data protection and potential misuse.

Allowing individuals and organisations to control satellites raises vital questions about privacy and cybersecurity. Samantray recognised these concerns and shared the safeguards put in place.

“As we enable satellite control for users, we prioritise security significantly,” he noted. The system is designed to proactively prevent harmful actions rather than simply react to incidents.

To mitigate risks, TakeMe2Space does not equip its satellites with propulsion systems, making it impossible for them to be hijacked or redirected. Furthermore, the resolution of satellite imagery is limited to 5 meters per pixel to prevent privacy breaches.

Data Ownership and Integrity

On the data management front, TakeMe2Space adheres to strict encryption standards, ensuring that clients maintain ownership of their generated data, without the company claiming any rights. “We function as an infrastructure provider, much like how AWS operates,” Samantray clarified.

A Vision for Space Computing in India

As reiterated by its founder, TakeMe2Space does not position itself as a competitor to established Earth observation firms. Instead, it envisions a future where computing capabilities evolve into space.

“We aim to develop data centres in orbit, where AI and computing occur in space,” Samantray stated. By relocating demanding computational processes to satellites, TakeMe2Space seeks to lessen the power consumed on Earth.

The growing demand for AI, cloud computing, and data storage globally is resulting in an unprecedented increase in energy consumption. Executing AI models in the cold environment of space can provide a sustainable solution.

“Space offers a controlled temperature environment, allowing generated heat to have no environmental impact on Earth,” Samantray added.

In the future, TakeMe2Space aims to expand its initiatives beyond AI labs, establishing comprehensive space computing infrastructure. The company is not dependent on government financing and instead targets private enterprises as its main market, stating, “We are focused on developing solutions for private businesses, not only for defence or governmental use.”

If successful, TakeMe2Space has the potential to transform global satellite interactions, making space exploration accessible to all.