Bengaluru Startup Develops ‘Power Bank’ Satellites to Extend Spacecraft Lifespan
A Bengaluru-based space technology startup is developing a novel satellite servicing system that could extend the operational life of ageing spacecraft by docking with them in orbit and taking over propulsion duties. The concept, likened to attaching a “power bank” to a mobile phone, aims to keep valuable satellites functioning long after they have exhausted their onboard fuel.
Aule Space recently validated a key component of its technology at an Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) facility used during the SpaDeX docking mission. Building on that milestone, the company is preparing for what it says could become one of the world’s most ambitious private satellite docking demonstrations.
Jetpack Satellite Concept Targets Ageing Spacecraft
Many communications satellites reach the end of their operational lives not because their onboard systems fail, but because they run out of propellant required for station-keeping. Without fuel, they can no longer maintain their assigned orbital positions, forcing operators to retire spacecraft that may still be fully functional.
Aule Space aims to solve that problem by deploying a smaller “jetpack” satellite that docks with an existing spacecraft and assumes responsibility for station-keeping using its own propulsion system.
Chief Executive Officer Jay Panchal said the company is developing satellites capable of docking with existing spacecraft that were never designed for in-orbit servicing. According to him, the objective is to help operators continue generating revenue from valuable assets rather than retiring them prematurely.
The company plans to focus on geostationary communication satellites, many of which cost more than $300 million to build and generate substantial annual income throughout their operational lives.
Docking Without Dedicated Service Ports
One of the biggest technical challenges is docking with satellites that do not have dedicated servicing interfaces.
Instead of relying on specially designed docking ports, Aule Space intends to attach its spacecraft to the liquid apogee motor (LAM) nozzle, a standard external feature found on most geostationary satellites.
If successful, the system could extend the operational life of communication satellites by as much as five years. That additional lifespan would allow operators to maximise returns from spacecraft that would otherwise be retired once their fuel reserves are depleted.
Rather than attempting the more complex process of refuelling satellites in orbit, the startup’s approach focuses on providing propulsion externally through the docked servicing spacecraft.
Isro Facility Validates Key Technology
The company recently completed a significant technology demonstration at the Rendezvous Simulation Laboratory (RSL) at Isro’s ISITE facility, where critical elements of India’s SpaDeX docking mission were also validated.
According to Panchal, Aule Space became the first non-government organisation to gain access to the laboratory for testing its rendezvous and docking technologies. He described the facility as providing the highest level of ground-based validation currently available for the company’s capabilities.
A key feature of Aule’s system is its reliance on computer vision instead of multiple specialised sensors. Conventional docking systems typically combine technologies such as LiDAR and infrared cameras to guide spacecraft during the final stages of approach.
In contrast, Aule plans to use a single optical camera supported by onboard artificial intelligence to perform navigation during the critical docking phase.
The company said its visual navigation models are trained using data generated at its own facilities before being validated at Isro’s testing infrastructure ahead of deployment in orbit.
Private Docking Demonstration Planned
Aule Space is targeting an in-orbit technology demonstration next year. The mission will involve launching two satellites that will autonomously dock in low-Earth orbit.
The demonstration is intended to validate the technologies required for future servicing missions involving geostationary communication satellites.
According to Panchal, the mission could become the world’s first private demonstration of non-cooperative satellite docking in low-Earth orbit using only camera-based navigation.