Ritwaj Ranjan – Interplanetary.tv

Pixxel: Mapping Earth Invisible Spectrum with Hyperspectral Satellites

Pixxel, an Indian company pioneering hyperspectral imaging from space, has successfully launched three satellites from its Firefly constellation aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The company captures hyperspectral data, breaking it into hundreds of narrow light bands, unlocking detail invisible to the naked eye. This enables unprecedented analysis of soil quality, crop stress, water pollution, gas leaks, and even mineral composition from orbit. Pixxel’s platform, Aurora, turns raw data into ready-to-use insights using AI and machine learning. The company has raised nearly $95 million from investors including Lightspeed, Radical Ventures, Google, and Accenture. Pixxel’s mission statement, “Making the invisible visible,” echoes their long-term ambition to offer planetary-scale intelligence at unprecedented spectral fidelity. With further launches planned through 2026, Pixxel aims to scale to 24 hyperspectral satellites, providing hourly global coverage.

Manastu Space: Clean Propulsion Tech for Sustainable Orbit #2

Manastu Space, a Mumbai-based startup, is focusing on sustainability and cost-efficiency in satellite propulsion. The company replaces toxic hydrazine with a less toxic monopropellant, enhancing safety and fuel efficiency. The company is also developing in-orbit refueling technology, which could revolutionize satellite lifespan and servicing. Manastu Space has secured funding from BIRAC, ISRO, and venture funds and plans to enter full-scale commercial deployment by 2025. The startup aims to become a leading supplier of propulsion modules for small satellite constellations.

Eon Space Labs: Building Eyes in the Sky for India

Eon Space Labs, a Hyderabad-based aerospace startup, is revolutionizing the world from above by developing indigenous imaging systems for satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms. The company focuses on satellites carrying high-performance optical payloads, which deliver sharp, high-resolution images for various applications. Eon has achieved key milestones such as developing the first prototype of a high-resolution satellite payload, securing partnerships with drone manufacturers, and delivering operational payloads for LEO satellite missions and commercial drones.

Digantara: A New Era in Space Surveillance for India

Digantara, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup, is leading India’s first private Space Situational Awareness initiative. The company aims to monitor, track, and manage the complex and hazardous environment of space. Digantara’s solution is a seamless, space-based surveillance network that offers continuous, high-resolution data on everything that moves in orbit. The company has successfully launched its first space situational payload on ISRO’s PSLV-C55 mission in 2023 and launched Space-MAP, India’s first commercial Space Mission Assurance Platform in 2024.

Aadyah Aerospace: India Self-Reliance in Space & Defense Engineering

Aadyah Aerospace, founded by Shaju Stephen in 2016, is a leading player in India’s aerospace and defense engineering sector. The company specializes in high-reliability satellite components, unmanned aerial systems, and advanced launch-support hardware. Under Stephen’s leadership, Aadyah Aerospace is shaping India’s space ecosystem with innovation and precision engineering. The company has expanded into satellite subsystems, designing lightweight bus structures and deployers to reduce launch costs. Aadyah Aerospace has forged partnerships with public and private sector players to advance indigenous satellite technologies. Under Stephen’s leadership, the company is scaling up to tackle larger projects and accelerating innovation across India’s aerospace ecosystem.

Dhruva Space: Shaping India’s Future Space Manufacturing

Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based startup, is India’s first full-stack private space company, offering satellite platforms, deployment systems, and mission operations for government and commercial clients. Founded by Sanjay Nekkanti, Abhay Egoor, and Narayan Prasad, the company has built out R&D, testing, and integration labs to support small satellite manufacturing. Dhruva Space’s core strength lies in modularity and scalability, with its technology stack including deployers, satellite avionics, structural frames, solar arrays, batteries, and onboard computers. As India aims to capture 9% of the global space economy by 2030, Dhruva Space is positioning itself as a globally competitive satellite systems provider from the Global South.

Bellatrix Aerospace: Powering the Future of Space Mobility

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based company founded by Rohan Ganapathy, Nuthan Prasanna, and Yashas Karanam, is revolutionizing in-space propulsion and mobility. The company focuses on electric propulsion systems, which offer higher fuel efficiency and longer operational life. Bellatrix has developed various propulsion systems, including microwave plasma thrusters, Hall-effect thrusters, Green chemical propulsion systems, and CubeSat propulsion modules. One of its most ambitious visions is the space taxi, a maneuverable orbital vehicle designed to transport satellites or payloads between different orbits. The company has successfully tested and launched two propulsion systems, Arka and Rudra, on ISRO’s PSLV C-58 rocket. Bellatrix is committed to indigenously developed technology and has collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and attracted investor interest for its commercially viable and environmentally sustainable propulsion systems. The company is expected to serve satellite manufacturers, space agencies, and play a pivotal role in orbital logistics, space debris mitigation, and interplanetary missions.

S. Ravichandran: The Force Behind Agnikul Cosmos

Srinath Ravichandran, an aerospace engineer, co-founded Agnikul Cosmos in 2017 to address the global need for flexible, affordable, and on-demand access to space. The company focuses on modular, customizable launch vehicles designed for small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The flagship rocket, Agnibaan, is a two-stage vehicle capable of carrying up to 100 kg to LEO. Agnikul’s engines are manufactured quickly using additive manufacturing (3D printing), reducing time-to-launch and mission costs. The company has achieved milestones such as raising ₹23.4 crore in pre-Series A funding, successfully testing Agnilet, and raising $11 million in Series A funding. Agnikul Cosmos is also the first private company to sign a framework agreement with ISRO and IN-SPACe for access to launchpads, testing facilities, and technical guidance.

Pawan Kumar Chandana: Fueling India’s Private Space Dream

India’s space ambitions are soaring, with Pawan Kumar Chandana, Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Skyroot Aerospace, leading the way. Chandana, a former ISRO scientist and IIT Kharagpur alumnus, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s position in the global space race. With the motto “Open Space for All,” Skyroot aims to democratize space exploration. The company has raised US$4.3 million since its inception and has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Dhruva Space. The Department of Space has signed an agreement with Skyroot Aerospace for access to ISRO’s facilities and expertise for testing sub-systems and systems of launch vehicles. Skyroot has developed 3D-printed engines, cryogenic engines powered by LNG and LOX, modular rocket stages, and all-composite structures for lightweight, high-performance rockets. The company is now gearing up for its next milestone — the Vikram-I orbital launch.

Where is the research in 2025 on Stasis for spaceflights? (Space Tech)

NASA and SpaceWorks Enterprises are leading research into synthetic torpor using therapeutic hypothermia for long-duration spaceflight. Key developments include a torpor-inducing module that reduces crew habitat mass and volume by 75% for Mars missions. Astronauts cycle through 10-14-day stasis periods using intravenous cooling and pharmaceuticals, minimizing resource consumption and minimizing psychosocial stress. ESA’s focus is on mitigating long-duration spaceflight effects, while India’s Gaganyaan program focuses on foundational human spaceflight capabilities. While no agency has deployed operational stasis systems, NASA’s progress suggests this technology could revolutionize crewed deep-space missions within the next decade. The field remains largely experimental and interdisciplinary, requiring advances in medical science, engineering, and human factors to realize practical stasis systems for space exploration.