Aule Space Raises $2 Million for Satellite Technology Development

Deep tech startup Aule Space has successfully secured $2 million in a pre-seed funding round that was led by pi Ventures, alongside participation from several angel investors, including Eash Sundaram and Arvind Lakshmikumar, among others. This startup is a participant in the Entrepreneurs First accelerator programme and is supported by the Transpose Platform. The funds raised will be allocated towards expanding its engineering team, developing ground infrastructure for docking tests, and progressing with the creation of its initial demonstration satellites, which are expected to launch next year, Aule Space announced in a press release.

Aule Space’s Innovative Technology

Established in 2024 by Jay Panchal, Nithyaa Giri, and Hrishit Tambi, Aule Space is revolutionising space technology by constructing satellites capable of approaching and attaching to other satellites in orbit. The goal of the startup is to leverage this innovative technology to prolong the life of high-value satellites, conduct close inspections of space assets, and safely decommission non-functional satellites, ultimately leading to more sustainable and cost-effective space operations.

Addressing Satellite Fuel Scarcity

Aule Space tackles the problem of limited satellite fuel resources using its autonomous jetpack satellite, which can dock with existing GEO satellites. This capability enables it to remain attached and help sustain the host satellite’s orbital position, thereby extending its operational life by up to six years.

Upcoming Validation of Services

According to the Bengaluru-based startup, its upcoming satellites will demonstrate the Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) capabilities that allow spacecraft to safely approach, manoeuvre close to, and physically connect with other objects in orbit. The plan includes creating a satellite-agnostic docking mechanism integrated with advanced AI-driven Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithms, which will facilitate the construction of the lightest and most cost-efficient fleets of RPOD-enabled satellites.

Future Plans and Objectives

The startup intends to launch demonstration RPOD satellites next year to validate its docking technology and establish a foundation for commercial deployment. In the long term, Aule Space aims to operate a robotic workforce to support the growing space economy.

Industry Landscape

Other Indian firms in this sector include Orbitaid, focusing on refuelling interfaces; Inspecity, targeting the LEO market; and Cosmoserve, which concentrates on debris removal. A notable global competitor, Northrop Grumman, has already accomplished non-cooperative docking with a legacy satellite, extending its operational life by five years at a cost of $13 million annually.