Indian Startup Builds Satellite Jetpack to Extend Space Life

What if we could rescue satellites running out of fuel instead of letting them become expensive space junk? That's exactly what one Indian startup is making possible.

Aule Space, based in Bengaluru, is building what founder Jay Panchal calls a "jetpack satellite." The spacecraft can dock with fuel-depleted satellites orbiting 22,000 miles above Earth and provide propulsion for up to five more years. For satellite operators facing replacement costs of hundreds of millions of dollars, it's like getting a second satellite for a fraction of the price.

The timing couldn't be better. Around 20 to 25 privately owned communication satellites run out of fuel each year, and they're expensive to replace. A single geostationary satellite can cost more than building a small hospital.

Panchal, a former engineer at space imaging company Pixxel, saw an opportunity in this growing problem. His team has already raised $2 million in pre-seed funding and validated their technology at Indian Space Research Organisation facilities. The startup says its technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 6, meaning it's been tested in relevant environments and is getting close to flight-ready.

The real test comes next year when Aule plans to demonstrate autonomous docking in orbit. If successful, the startup will prove that satellites don't need to be thrown away when they run low on fuel. They can get a boost instead.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond saving money, Aule's technology tackles a growing environmental problem in space. Earth's orbit is becoming increasingly crowded with defunct satellites and debris, creating collision risks for active spacecraft. By extending satellite lifespans, the startup reduces the need for replacement launches and the debris they create.

The global market for on-orbit satellite services is projected to reach $5.5 billion by 2030, and Aule is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging industry. Several international companies are developing similar technologies, but few have focused specifically on the geostationary orbit where communication satellites live.

Commercial contracts are expected to follow the orbital demonstration, with satellite operators already watching closely. For an industry that's relied on a "launch and replace" model for decades, the ability to refuel and reposition assets in space represents a fundamental shift in how we think about satellite infrastructure.

Space is becoming more accessible, but it's also becoming more cluttered. Solutions like Aule's prove we can build a more sustainable approach to the final frontier, one satellite rescue at a time.