New Delhi: Chennai-based New Space Startup OrbitAID Aerospace has announced that the AayulSAT on-orbit refueling mission will be one of the co-passengers on ISRO’s upcoming PSLV-C62 flight. The Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling Port (SIDRP) developed by OrbitAID will be demonstrated in space through an internal propellant, power and data transfer. The mission will provide flight heritage and qualify the system for use in commercial satellite missions. Founder and CEO of OrbitAID Aerospace, Sakthikumar Ramachandran says, “AayulSAT is more than a mission—it’s the foundation of the on-orbit economy.” OrbitAID is on a mission to extend the lives of satellites.

The core technology of the in-orbit refueling platform is the Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port (SIDRP), that uses precision-engineered mechanical components in tandem with continuous sensor feedback for alignment and engagement. OrbitAID is also developing a modular robotic arm that leverages computer vision for soft capture of satellites, a turnkey refuellable propulsion system with a drop-in design for easy integration into satellites, and a tanker satellite that acts as the refueling vehicle. All of these technologies allows for extending the operational lifetimes of satellites, and makes Earth orbit more sustainable for everyone. This is the first private orbital satellite servicing hardware to be flown from India.

The PSLV-C62 flight

ISRO is launching the PSLV-C62 flight this month, with the primary passenger being the EOS-N1 is a hyperspectral Earth Observation Satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), also known as ‘Anvesha‘. There are 18 copassenger satellites on board, and more of these are getting revealed as we get closer to the launch. Apart from AyulSAT by OrbitAID, Hyderabad-based startup EON Space Labs is sending up its MIRA Telescope with satellite partner TakeMe2Space, Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm is sending up its Kestrel Cargo Capsule Demonstrator, and the Brazilian Artist Edson Pavoni is sending up the Orbital Temple sculpture satellite. A complete list is expected when ISRO releases the brochure for the mission.