A startup from Bengaluru is working on a bold idea that could change the way satellites are used in space. The company, Aule Space, is building technology to reach satellites that are running out of fuel or stopping work and help them continue to function instead of becoming space junk.
There are thousands of satellites circling the Earth. They help with communications, weather tracking, navigation, internet and many other services. Most satellites stop working because they run out of fuel or drift off course. When that happens, they usually stay in orbit as debris. Aule Space wants to change this by creating small spacecraft that can go up, find these old satellites and attach themselves to them.
These small spacecraft are sometimes called jetpack satellites. The idea is simple in concept. The jetpack satellite would move close to a satellite that is losing power. It would then latch on and help with movement and positioning. This would keep the older satellite in the right orbit for more years, giving it a new lease of life.
Saving a satellite this way could bring big benefits. Satellites are expensive to build and launch. Extending their useful life even by a few years could save companies a lot of money. It could also reduce the amount of space debris cluttering Earth’s orbit.
Making this work is not easy. Space is a very difficult environment. Satellites travel at very high speeds and are far away from Earth. For a spacecraft to find a target, move next to it and attach itself safely, the technology must be very advanced. Aule Space is developing systems that use computers and artificial intelligence to help its craft navigate and operate on their own in space.
The startup is currently testing its technology on the ground with simulations that mimic conditions in space. These tests help engineers understand how the systems behave and what improvements are needed before an actual mission.
Aule Space has also raised early funding from investors to fuel its work. With this money, the company plans to continue development and prepare for its first demonstration mission. The goal is to send a test mission into orbit, show that the docking idea works and build confidence for future satellite servicing missions.
The company has also brought in experts who have experience with India’s space organisation. These advisers are helping the team learn from past missions and build better systems.
If successful, this technology could change how satellites are managed. Instead of becoming useless after a few years, many satellites could stay active for longer. This would be good for satellite operators, reduce waste in space and open up new possibilities in the space industry.