The Chennai-based spacetech startup OrbitAID has successfully secured $1.5 million in its pre-seed funding round, led by Unicorn India Ventures. This round also included contributions from TANSIM, an initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
According to OrbitAID, the capital will be utilised to carry out an in-space demonstration of docking and refuelling operations, enhance facilities for on-orbit servicing, advance the Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port (SIDRP) towards commercial readiness, and expand team capabilities.
Founded in 2021 by Sakthikumar R, Nikhil Balasubramanian, and Mano Balaji K, OrbitAID is dedicated to improving sustainable space operations through innovative on-orbit refuelling solutions. The company is actively working to establish a network of strategically located fuel stations in various orbits.
Recently, the company conducted a successful test of its patented SIDRP during a zero-gravity flight in Florida. Over the past year, OrbitAID claims to have achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 for its docking and refuelling tests, in addition to securing notable partnerships and collaborations.