A Bengaluru-based space startup is developing "jetpack" satellites that can dock with ageing spacecraft, take over their propulsion and extend their operational life by up to five years, potentially saving satellite operators hundreds of millions of dollars. After validating a key part of the technology at an Isro facility used for the SpaDeX docking mission, Aule Space is now preparing for what it says could become the world's first private demonstration of non-cooperative satellite docking using camera-only navigation.
After recently validating a key part of its technology at an Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) facility used for India's SpaDeX docking mission, the startup is preparing for what could become one of the world's most ambitious private satellite docking demonstrations.
A 'power bank' for satellites
For satellite operators, running out of fuel does not necessarily mean a spacecraft has reached the end of its life. Many communication satellites remain fully functional but can no longer maintain their orbital positions because they have exhausted the propellant needed for station-keeping. As a result, operators are often forced to retire assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Aule believes it has found a solution.
"We're trying to build satellites which can go and dock to existing satellites in space which don't have any installed ports... and extend their life so that they can keep generating revenue," CEO Jay Panchal told TOI. "It's like a power bank," he added.
Instead of refuelling satellites in orbit, Aule plans to launch a smaller "jetpack" spacecraft that docks with an existing communications satellite and takes over station-keeping using its own propulsion system. The company is targeting geostationary communication satellites, many of which cost more than $300 million to build and generate significant annual revenue.
Docking without dedicated ports
One of the biggest challenges is docking with satellites that were never designed for servicing. Rather than relying on dedicated docking ports, Aule plans to attach its spacecraft to the liquid apogee motor (LAM) nozzle, a standard external feature found on most geostationary satellites.
If successful, the technology could allow operators to keep satellites in service for years beyond their intended lifespan.
Panchal said each docked "jetpack" could extend a satellite's operational life by up to five years.
Tested at Isro's SpaDeX facility
The startup recently achieved a major milestone by testing its camera-based guidance, navigation and control system at the Rendezvous Simulation Laboratory (RSL) at Isro's ISITE—the same facility where key elements of the SpaDeX mission were validated.
"We were the first non-govt entity to access RSL. This is the best kind of on-ground testing we can do for these capabilities," Panchal said.
Unlike conventional docking systems that rely on LiDAR, infrared cameras and multiple specialised sensors, Aule's spacecraft uses a single optical camera powered by onboard AI for the critical final approach.
The visual navigation models are trained using data generated at the company's own facilities and validated at Isro's testbed before being deployed in orbit.
In-orbit demonstration planned
The company is targeting an in-orbit demonstration next year, when it plans to launch two satellites that will autonomously dock in low-Earth orbit.
Panchal said the mission could become the world's first private demonstration of non-cooperative docking in low-Earth orbit using camera-only navigation. The mission is expected to validate technologies that Aule ultimately plans to deploy around geostationary communication satellites.
