Arindrajit Chowdhury, a professor at IIT Bombay, is focusing on the immediate challenge of maintaining satellites in orbit as a precursor to his larger ambition of establishing cities in space. His startup, InspeCity, based in Thane, Maharashtra, has successfully secured Rs 100 crore in funding to facilitate its initial orbital missions.

This novel undertaking began with a common experience in the crowded streets of Mumbai, where a seemingly simple journey of four kilometres turned into a taxing hour-long ordeal. This made Chowdhury ponder the sustainability of urban environments under increasing population pressures and resource demands.

Chowdhury, along with his former student and propulsion specialist, Dr Tausif Shaikh, founded InspeCity in 2022. The pair’s vision initially encompassed not only satellite servicing but also the construction of factories and, ultimately, entire cities in space. This concept was inspired by physicist Gerard O’Neill’s theories about human habitation beyond Earth’s atmosphere. However, Chowdhury identified a more immediate issue that could be tackled without extensive timeframes for testing.

The pivotal question lies in the fate of satellites that may become inoperable due to fuel depletion, navigational losses, or technical failures. With the impracticality of returning these satellites to Earth, InspeCity aims to provide solutions that allow another spacecraft to take over the responsibilities. This approach not only prevents the costs associated with replacements but also combats the increasing problem of space debris.

Technological Framework for Satellite Servicing

InspeCity’s technological infrastructure consists of several components designed for specific tasks. The GITA system is responsible for propulsion and mobility, while CHAKSU focuses on sensing, tracking, and navigation. RAMA serves as the robotic manipulation system, and SPARSH is intended for autonomous docking and in-orbit refuelling. Together, these innovations are central to the company’s VEDA architecture, which aims for satellite life extension and controlled de-orbiting.

The initiatives have moved from theoretical models to practical developments, with components already tested in microgravity conditions. Furthermore, InspeCity has gained credibility and funding via the Indian government’s innovation programme, iDEX. The recent capital infusion of Rs 100 crore, approximately $10.5 million, comes from a pre-Series A funding round co-led by Speciale Invest and investor Ashish Kacholia, with participation from notable entities such as Antler Elevate and Shastra VC.

This funding is designated to support InspeCity’s flight qualifications and broaden its commercial reach. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the company has plans for four in-orbit missions, framed within its RIG-X, VEDA-X, and SAMA-X project roadmap. These missions aim to progressively validate propulsion capabilities, sensing technologies, autonomous operations, robotics, and refuelling techniques.

The Path Forward: Operational Challenges Ahead

Despite the progress, InspeCity has yet to complete an actual satellite repair in orbit, thus rendering upcoming missions critical. The initial phases will focus on establishing the feasibility of one spacecraft safely approaching another, followed by efforts toward successful rendezvous and docking. Advanced servicing operations will be attempted in subsequent missions.

For Professor Chowdhury, the journey’s evolution from conceptualising cities in space to engaging in practical satellite servicing highlights a shift in focus. Before actualising the dream of extraterrestrial urban centres, the immediate goal is to develop the infrastructure necessary for sustained human activity in space. The current challenge has transformed from urban traffic jams in Mumbai to the intricate task of navigating the final few metres between two spacecraft travelling at orbital speeds.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share