Spacetech startup OrbitAID raises $1.5 Mn led by Unicorn India Ventures

Chennai-based spacetech startup OrbitAID has raised $1.5 million in its pre-seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The round also saw participation from TANSIM (Government of Tamil Nadu). 

According to OrbitAID, the funds will be used to conduct an in-space demonstration of docking and refueling operations, expand facilities for on-orbit servicing operations, advance SIDRP (Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port) to commercial readiness and scale team capabilities.

Founded in 2021 by Sakthikumar R, Nikhil Balasubramanian, and Mano Balaji K, OrbitAID focused on advancing sustainable space operations through innovative on-orbit refueling solutions and is actively forging ahead to create a network of fuel stations in space that are strategically positioned in various orbits. 

The firm has recently tested its patented SIDRP on a zero-gravity flight in Florida successfully. In the last 12 months, the firm claims to have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 for docking and refueling tests and secured significant partnerships and collaborations.