The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has chosen three Indian space startups for funding under its Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) Scheme. These startups include Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics India, and TM2SPACE Technologies. The aim is to support the development of innovative space technologies to enhance India’s space capabilities and global competitiveness.
Astrobase Space Technologies, based in Bengaluru, will work on a high-thrust Closed-Cycle Liquid Rocket Engine for space launch vehicles. This engine is designed to be a commercial propulsion solution for next-generation launch systems and orbital stages, with a focus on efficiency and modularity.
SatSure Analytics India, another Bengaluru-based startup, will develop Dhaarini, a Large Earth Observation Model (LOM) that serves as India’s foundational AI platform for remote sensing applications. This model, trained on various satellite and aerial datasets, aims to provide valuable insights for agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management.
TM2SPACE Technologies, located in Hyderabad, is set to create an indigenous AI-powered star tracker system for satellites. This system will ensure high pointing accuracy essential for imaging and communication missions, with a specific focus on high-resolution imaging and communication tasks.
The selection of these startups followed a thorough evaluation process by an expert committee comprising members from ISRO, DPIIT, DST, industry, academic institutions, and IN-SPACe. The chosen startups aligned closely with the objectives and criteria of the TAF scheme, encouraging other Indian companies to submit proposals in line with the scheme’s goals.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasized that the funded projects are not just innovative concepts but practical solutions ready for the market. He highlighted the importance of these projects in expanding India’s presence in the global space economy. IN-SPACe will provide ongoing technical guidance, monitoring, and funds disbursement tied to project milestones to ensure successful project implementation.
