FounderLabs’ Post

Visited the Space Expo Bengaluru 2024 and had the incredible opportunity to interact with several startups in the space sector, including organizations that are pushing the boundaries of innovation. One standout was OrbitAID Aerospace a startup revolutionizing space exploration. 🚀 OrbitAID is pioneering a game-changing Fuel Station in Space, with a focus on on-orbit refueling. Their vision includes establishing a network of refueling stations, making satellite servicing more accessible and efficient. Central to this is their Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling (SIDRP), which enhances docking and fuel transfer processes, opening up new possibilities for space accessibility. 🌌 A key milestone for OrbitAID is securing $540k in pre-seed funding, backed by the Government of Tamil Nadu and StartupTN-TANSIM. They’re also collaborating with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) under the MSME grant, further accelerating their innovation journey. 🌍 Moreover, being incubated as part of the Starburst Aerospace global accelerator has provided them with crucial resources to achieve their bold ambitions. 🌠 Excited to witness the strides these startups are making toward democratizing space! 🚀✨ SAKTHIKUMAR R #SpaceExploration #StartupInnovation #BengaluruExpo #OrbitaidAerospace #FuelStationInSpace #SpaceAccess #SpaceTech #space #satellite #aviation #mechanicalengineering

AgniKul Cosmos: Taking India’s SpaceTech to New Heights What if the next unicorn isn’t on Earth but soaring in orbit? India’s private space race is firing up, and AgniKul Cosmos is leading the countdown to greatness! Let’s take a closer look:   Why SpaceTech Matters Now: $546 billion – That’s the valuation of the global space industry in 2023, projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040 and India’s share is Just 2% - a massive untapped opportunity in the making.   Why Agnikul is Poised to Lead: Milestone – The Agnibaan Rocket - a customizable small-satellite launcher capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kg. Firsts – The first Indian company to successfully test a 3D-printed rocket engine in 2022. Backed by – ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization and investors like Kalaari Capital, AgniKul Cosmos is rewriting India’s space narrative. Cost Efficiency – Leveraging India’s renowned low-cost engineering to provide launch services at a fraction of global prices. Policy Boost – Since 2020, India’s space sector has been open to private players, with an estimated $1.2 billion market by 2025. Startups like AgniKul Cosmos aren’t just launching rockets – they’re propelling India toward global leadership in the trillion-dollar space industry. Are we ready to leap into this infinite frontier of opportunities? #spacetech NITI Aayog #agnikulcosmos NITI Aayog Official #indianinnovation ISRO #satellitelaunches ISpA- Indian Space Association #futureofspace Pawan Kumar Chandana #startups Indian Institute of Technology, Madras #isro DRDO, Centre for Airborne Systems #madeinindia #rocketlaunch #privatespaceindustry #trilliondollaropportunity

India’s Agnikul launches 3D-printed rocket in sub-orbital test after initial delays After two years of preparation and four delays over the past several months due to technical glitches, Indian space startup Agnikul has successfully launched its first sub-orbital test vehicle, powered by its unique 3D-printed rocket engines, space agency Indian Space Research Organisation said Thursday. Called Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator), the single-stage launch vehicle lifted […] © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. https://lnkd.in/dh82WUtn

The U.K. government has announced a £20 million investment in Scottish spaceflight startup Orbex, positioning it as a rival to SpaceX in the small satellite launch market. This funding, part of a larger £23 million round that includes backers like Denmark’s Export & Investment Fund and Octopus Ventures, was revealed at the European Space Conference. Orbex plans to launch its first rocket, Prime, in late 2025, using bio-propane fuel to minimize carbon emissions. The investment aligns with the government’s goal of establishing a sovereign rocket launch capability from U.K. soil. Orbex faces competition from other European players, including fellow British startup Skyrora and Germany’s Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), both of which have planned U.K. launches. These firms specialize in microlaunchers—smaller, more agile rockets designed for lightweight payloads. Orbex claims its Prime rocket could reduce carbon emissions by up to 96% compared to traditional launch systems. With space increasingly seen as a strategically vital industry, European firms are racing to establish independent launch capabilities to compete with well-funded U.S. rivals like SpaceX.

Mumbai-based space startup Manastu Space has announced the successful in-space test of its self-developed thruster, Vyom 2U, via the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4 (POEM). This marks a significant step forward in green propulsion technology for the space industry. Construction World https://lnkd.in/ev_VSU5C #SpaceTech #SpaceTechnology

𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫-𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬 Space startups in Japan and India have teamed up to tackle orbital congestion. On Tuesday, they announced plans to study using laser-equipped satellites to remove space debris. Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics firm InspeCity will explore business opportunities for in-space services. These include de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending spacecraft lifespans. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gNTGSvFQ #AsiaOne #AsiaOneMagazine #SpaceTech #SpaceDebris #SatelliteInnovation #LaserTechnology #CleanSpace #SpaceExploration #TechForGood #StartupInnovation #GlobalCollaboration #TechTrends #SpaceNews #InnovationNation #FutureIsNow #GlobalInnovation

KickSky's Standout Startup of the Day: Pioneers in In-Orbit Refueling for Satellite Sustainability! OrbitAID Aerospace is at the forefront of developing in-orbit refueling technology, with a vision to establish a network of tanker satellites in space for satellite life extension. 🚀 Innovative Solutions: Their proprietary technology offers a unique proposition, extending the lifespan of satellites through on-orbit refueling and servicing.   🚀 Accolades and Recognition: OrbitAID has been selected to participate in prestigious aerospace accelerator programs, notably the Starburst Accelerator program in Israel and KickSky Space Accelerator in India. Additionally, their endeavours have earned them the recognition as a top space tech startup to watch in 2024 by Startus Magazine and finalist status in the Space Innovation Challenge in the USA.   🚀 Funding Status: They have already secured $540k from TANSIM, the Tamil Nadu State Government. 🚀 Expertise: OrbitAid's team boasts over 30 years of cumulative experience in the space industry, with deep technical expertise and involvement in significant space missions, including Chandrayaan 2 and Mangalyaan. Supported by a distinguished advisory board comprising ex-ISRO scientists, Israeli experts, former Virgin Galactic CFO, and esteemed professors from IISc. #startups #space #demoday #kickskyspace #kickskycohort #kickskycohortpratham #spacetechnology #spaceaccelerator #spacestartups #india #innovation #technology

The U.K. government has announced a £20 million investment in Scottish spaceflight startup Orbex, positioning it as a rival to SpaceX in the small satellite launch market. This funding, part of a larger £23 million round that includes backers like Denmark’s Export & Investment Fund and Octopus Ventures, was revealed at the European Space Conference. Orbex plans to launch its first rocket, Prime, in late 2025, using bio-propane fuel to minimize carbon emissions. The investment aligns with the government’s goal of establishing a sovereign rocket launch capability from U.K. soil. Orbex faces competition from other European players, including fellow British startup Skyrora and Germany’s Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), both of which have planned U.K. launches. These firms specialize in microlaunchers—smaller, more agile rockets designed for lightweight payloads. Orbex claims its Prime rocket could reduce carbon emissions by up to 96% compared to traditional launch systems. With space increasingly seen as a strategically vital industry, European firms are racing to establish independent launch capabilities to compete with well-funded U.S. rivals like SpaceX.

🎇 Breaking Records: Indian Startup Agnikul Cosmos Achieves Historic Milestone with World's First 3D-Printed Rocket Engine Launch! 🎉 Witnessing a monumental leap in India's private space sector, Agnikul Cosmos has made history with the successful launch of "Agnibaan - SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator)," the world's first rocket powered by a fully 3D-printed engine! The launch, which took place from India's first-ever privately-developed launchpad, "Dhanush," marks a significant milestone for India's burgeoning private space industry. Key Highlights: ◼ Powered by India's first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-cryogenic engine, "Agnibaan - SOrTeD" soared skyward at 7:15 AM on 30 May, 2024. ◼ As a test flight, the mission gathered critical data for Agnikul's upcoming orbital launch vehicle, "Agnibaan," showcasing the company's innovative prowess. 💡 Insightful Words from Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA): "Agnibaan SOrTeD has got many firsts in its strides, marking a historical milestone. This launch, coupled with recent policy advancements, strengthens India's global standing in the private space industry." With its sights set on an orbital mission by the end of 2025, Agnikul is poised to shape the future of space exploration in India. #SpaceExploration #Agnikul #PrivateSpaceIndustry #IndianSpaceStartup #Innovation #Technology #FutureIsHere

India had been making Stride in the space arena and recently successfully docked 2 satellites. Currently the numbers of satellites in the space are under 10k but with time and growing the numbers will be soon 100k in few years. This will lead to lot of debris once satellites run out of fuel and that’s what OrbitAID Aerospace wish to address by helping refuelling in the space. We are glad to partner with SAKTHIKUMAR R Nikhil Balasubramanian in building OrbitAID Aerospace #spacetech #startupindia