What OrbitAID Aerospace does

OrbitAID Aerospace is a private Indian space-technology company developing on-orbit satellite servicing and refueling (OOSR) infrastructure for commercial and government operators. Founded in 2021 by Sakthikumar R, Nikhil Balasubramanian, and Mano Balaji K, the company is headquartered in Chennai with a 6,500 sq ft R&D facility in Bengaluru that was inaugurated by ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan in September 2025. Its flagship product is SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port), a patented 250-gram interface rated to 35 bar MEOP that supports bidirectional fluid transfer across more than 10 propellant types and is validated at TRL 9 for cooperative docking and TRL 7 for end-to-end refueling. Complementing SIDRP are a Tanker Satellite platform, a multi-jointed Soft Capture Robotic Arm, and a refuelable Turnkey Propulsion System, integrated with LiDAR, optical, and infrared sensor suites plus CNN-based pose-estimation algorithms for autonomous approach. The company has executed two zero-gravity flight campaigns (Zero-G1 in November 2024 and Zero-G2 in May 2025) demonstrating bubble-free propellant transfer, docking, and undocking maneuvers.

The company monetizes through four planned revenue streams: one-time SIDRP hardware sales to satellite manufacturers, per-mission in-orbit refueling transactions, subscription-based satellite life extension services, and outcome-based success shares tied to mission value creation, supplemented by professional services for ground fuelling campaign management. Customers and partners include ISRO, DRDO, IN-SPACe, European satellite operators, the Australian Space Machines Company (under the Indo-Australian MAITRI grant), and the Polish propulsion startup Liftero. The go-to-market is sales-led, enterprise-driven, and targets government space agencies, defense organisations, satellite operators, and telecom providers with long sales cycles; commercial on-orbit refueling services are targeted for late 2026 or early 2027. The company is recognized as India's first and only private OOSR company, was named a 2026 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, and is among the global top 20 space-tech startups out of 1,544 analyzed.

Name

OrbitAID Aerospace

Legal name

ORBITAID AEROSPACE PVT LTD

Website

https://orbitaid.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

OrbitAID Aerospace is an Indian private space-tech company developing on-orbit satellite servicing and refueling infrastructure, including its patented SIDRP docking and refueling port, tanker satellites, and autonomous rendezvous systems, serving government space agencies, defense organisations, and commercial satellite operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

On-Orbit Satellite Servicing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB), Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE), Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)

Keywords

• On-orbit satellite servicing
• Satellite refueling systems
• Space docking interfaces
• Active debris removal
• Satellite life extension

Headquarters

HQ city

Bangalore

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. SIDRP Product Sales: Sale of the Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port (SIDRP) as a standalone product to satellite manufacturers and operators. SIDRP is sold as a hardware interface enabling in-orbit refueling compatibility on satellites.
2. In-Orbit Refueling Services: On-demand refueling service where OrbitAID tanker satellites dock with client satellites and transfer propellant. Revenue generated per refueling mission. Targets both GEO and LEO satellites.
3. Satellite Life Extension Subscriptions: Subscription-based service providing ongoing satellite life extension through periodic refueling, monitoring, and maintenance. Generates recurring revenue from satellite operators seeking to maximize asset utilization.
4. Success Shares / Outcome-Based Revenue: Revenue sharing model tied to successful in-orbit refueling outcomes. Customers share in the value created by extending satellite operational life, avoiding costly replacement launches.
5. Ground Fuelling Campaign Services: OrbitAID leads the commercial ground fuelling campaign for international missions, linking Earth-based propellant logistics with in-orbit refuelling operations. Includes building full propellant supply chain management.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

OrbitAID Aerospace develops and sells on-orbit satellite servicing hardware and services centered on its proprietary SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port) and Tanker Satellite platform. The company offers four operational on-orbit solutions: in-orbit life extension through propellant refueling, active debris removal, on-demand mobility, and satellite inspection. It also manufactures standalone hardware products including the SIDRP interface, Soft Capture Robotic Arm, and a refuelable Turnkey Propulsion System.

Product overview

OrbitAID Aerospace offers an integrated on-orbit servicing platform centered on its proprietary SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port) technology and Tanker Satellite system. The product portfolio includes a Soft Capture Robotic Arm and Turnkey Propulsion System as add-on modules. The company provides four core on-orbit services: Life Extension (propellant transfer), Active Debris Removal, On-Demand Mobility, and Satellite Inspection. The first technology demonstrator satellite, AyulSAT, was designed to validate internal propellant transfer and serve as a target for future docking demonstrations, with planned follow-on chaser satellites for full spacecraft-to-spacecraft refueling missions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port) A proprietary docking interface and refueling port for in-orbit satellite servicing, supporting bidirectional fluid transfer for multiple propellants with TRL 9 certification for the cooperative docking interface. Sold as a standalone hardware product to satellite manufacturers and operators.
• Tanker Satellite A refueling vehicle with autonomous systems, high-resolution sensors, and precision thrusters for in-orbit propellant transfer, docking maneuvers, and fuel station deployment. Capable of docking and robotic manipulation in all orbits.
• Soft Capture Robotic Arm A multi-jointed robotic arm with high-torque motors and advanced computer vision for delicate space operations including component manipulation, part replacement, and inspections. Features an internal fluid pathway for fuel transfer.
• Turnkey Propulsion System A refuelable propulsion system with integrated tank valves and drop-in design, enabling multiple missions and extended satellite lifespan with lower propulsion system volume and eliminated traditional feed-line designs.
• AyulSAT A 25-kg dedicated tanker satellite and target spacecraft designed to demonstrate fuel transfer, power transfer, and data transfer in orbit using the SIDRP interface.
• On-Orbit Life Extension In-space refueling service that extends spacecraft operational life through reliable propellant transfer, powered by SIDRP technology. Targets GEO and LEO satellite operators seeking to maximize asset utilization.
• Active Debris Removal Debris mitigation service that removes high-risk debris objects, stabilizes defunct satellites, and enables controlled deorbiting or orbital relocation.
• On-Demand Mobility Auxiliary propulsion service providing rapid, precise orbital maneuvers including inclination, altitude, and RAAN adjustments for satellites.
• Satellite Inspection Proximity-based inspection service using high-resolution imaging and sensors to assess spacecraft health, structural integrity, and detect anomalies without disrupting operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Satellite lifespan extended by multiple years through on-orbit refueling, avoiding $200-500M+ replacement costs per satellite
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Satcom Industry Association (SIA)-IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026SIA-India developed the Indian Space Industry E-Catalogue, India's first comprehensive digital repository of space-sector capabilities with OrbitAID as a contributor. OrbitAID co-developed the strategic report on on-orbit satellite servicing released at India Space Congress 2026.
• Indian Space Association (ISpA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2026ISpA and OrbitAID jointly released a policy report at India Space Congress 2026 urging the Indian government to provide policy support and financial incentives for the orbital servicing ecosystem. Recommendations include production-linked incentives, procurement commitments from defense, and dedicated R&D funding for ISAM technologies.
• IN-SPACecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2026IN-SPACe is India's space regulator enabling private sector participation. IN-SPACe Chairman Dr. Pawan Goenka outlined measures to accelerate private sector participation including ₹900 crore R&D fund for academic institutions. OrbitAID benefits from regulatory support and policy frameworks enabling commercial space operations.
• Liftero (Poland)coreTechnology or Integration · 5 March 2026Polish chemical propulsion startup signed agreement to supply two multi-thruster BOOSTER configurations for OrbitAID's in-orbit servicing mission expected in Q4 2026. First deployment of nitrous oxide-based propulsion system providing six degrees of freedom maneuvering to an in-orbit servicing application.
• SpaceXcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 February 2026OrbitAID is in talks with SpaceX to launch its two satellites (Chaser and Target) for the twin satellite docking and refueling demonstration mission. Selection of launcher pending availability.
• Space Machines Company (Australia)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2025OrbitAID secured partnership under Indo-Australian Space MAITRI grant to deploy SIDRP aboard an Australian joint mission in 2026. First commercial deployment of Indian-developed docking and refueling technology in space. OrbitAID leads the ground fuelling campaign and builds the propellant supply chain.
• ISRO / Indian Space Research OrganisationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2023ISRO is in ongoing discussions with OrbitAID for demonstration missions. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan inaugurated OrbitAID's Bengaluru R&D facility. ISRO's SPADeX mission demonstrated docking technology that OrbitAID builds upon for commercial services. OrbitAID in talks with ISRO for twin satellite docking mission by end of 2026.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• D-Orbit: Italian in-orbit transportation and servicing company offering satellite deployment, hosted payloads and end-of-life services. Overlaps with OrbitAID in on-demand mobility and satellite life extension services for commercial operators.
• Momentus: US in-space transportation and infrastructure company developing orbital transfer vehicles and servicing capabilities. Competes in adjacent service categories including hosted payloads, repositioning, and on-orbit services for satellite operators.
• Astroscale: Japan-headquartered on-orbit servicing company with active debris removal, satellite life extension and refueling missions. Operates in the same in-orbit services category as OrbitAID with overlapping customer base of satellite operators and government agencies.
• Orbit Fab: US-based on-orbit refueling company developing refueling ports and tanker spacecraft. The only other commercial player globally focused on satellite refueling infrastructure, making it OrbitAID's most direct peer in technology and go-to-market.

Emerging players

• ClearSpace: Swiss company focused on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing, contracted by ESA for the ClearSpace-1 mission. Comparable in addressing orbital sustainability with debris removal services similar to OrbitAID's roadmap.
• Bellatrix Aerospace: Indian space propulsion and satellite startup developing electric propulsion and in-orbit services capabilities. Indian domestic peer also recognized as a WEF 2026 Technology Pioneer alongside OrbitAID, operating in the same emerging Indian private space ecosystem.
• Space Machines Company: Australian in-orbit services company developing servicing spacecraft and hosting the MAITRI partnership that will carry OrbitAID's SIDRP. Operates as both a partner and a peer in the broader on-orbit servicing ecosystem.
• Manastu Space: Indian green propulsion startup supplying non-toxic propellants for the AyulSAT mission. Operates in an adjacent propulsion niche with potential to expand into in-orbit servicing, sharing the Indian deep-tech space ecosystem with OrbitAID.

Broad incumbents

• Thales Alenia Space: European aerospace prime building satellites and studying in-orbit servicing, refueling and debris removal missions. Represents the established incumbent in the satellite manufacturing and servicing space where OrbitAID is positioning as a specialized provider.
• Northrop Grumman (Mission Extension Vehicle): Operates the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) which has performed commercial satellite life extensions in GEO. Established defense prime with deep customer relationships in government satellite servicing, representing the incumbent model OrbitAID competes against.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OrbitAID
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/orbitaid-aerospace

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about OrbitAID Aerospace