OrbitAID, India’s pioneering space tech India startup, has secured the prestigious MAITRI grant under the Indo-Australian Space partnership to deploy the country’s first in-orbit refuelling interface, marking a revolutionary milestone in satellite servicing technology. The Chennai-based company will introduce its Standard Interface for Docking and Refuelling Port (SIDRP) system aboard an Australian mission scheduled for 2026, establishing India as a key player in orbital sustainability.
The OrbitAID breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in space tech in India’s capabilities, as the startup becomes the first Indian company to commercialise in-orbit refuelling technology through the MAITRI grant programme. This achievement positions India alongside leading space nations in developing advanced satellite life extension solutions that could transform how spacecraft operate in orbit.
MAITRI Grant Enables Groundbreaking Space Technology
The MAITRI grant awarded to OrbitAID supports the deployment of India’s first commercial in-orbit refuelling system through collaboration with Australia’s Space Machines Company. Under this space tech India initiative, the SIDRP technology will be integrated into an international joint mission launching on an SSLV rocket in late 2026, marking the first commercial deployment of Indian-developed docking and refuelling technology in space.
OrbitAID founder and CEO Sakthikumar Ramachandran emphasised that the MAITRI grant partnership sets the stage for transforming satellite servicing by integrating ground fuelling with in-orbit refuelling operations. The company will conduct the complete ground fuelling campaign for the mission while supplying the docking port, creating a comprehensive propellant supply chain linking Earth-based logistics with orbital operations.
Revolutionary In-Orbit Refuelling Technology
The OrbitAID SIDRP system represents cutting-edge space tech India innovation, featuring dual-docking redundancy and safe transfer port capabilities that enable drop-in integration with existing satellite connectors. The in-orbit refuelling interface has achieved Technology Readiness Level 7, meaning the system prototype has been successfully tested in relevant environments, including microgravity conditions.
OrbitAID conducted crucial validation tests for its in-orbit refuelling technology through zero-gravity flights in Florida, with the first test completed in December 2024 and a follow-up mission six months later. These space tech India demonstrations validated docking, refuelling, and proximity operations under real space-like conditions, proving the viability of the SIDRP system for orbital deployment.
Expanding Space Tech India Infrastructure
The MAITRI grant success coincides with OrbitAID’s expansion of its research and development capabilities through a new ₹16 crore facility in Bengaluru opened in September 2025. The space tech India facility includes RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking) infrastructure, cleanroom facilities, and fuel transfer systems to support the in-orbit refuelling technology development.
OrbitAID has raised $2.04 million in total funding, with the latest $1.5 million pre-seed round in January 2025 led by Unicorn India Ventures and supported by the Tamil Nadu government through StartupTN. This financial backing enables the company to advance its space tech India mission of establishing orbital fuel stations by 2027.
Strategic Impact on Satellite Operations
The in-orbit refuelling capability developed by OrbitAID addresses a critical limitation in current satellite operations, where spacecraft become space debris once their fuel is depleted despite remaining functionally operational. The space tech India innovation enables extended mission lifetimes, reduced space debris generation, and enhanced operational flexibility for satellite operators.
OrbitAID’s vision extends beyond the current MAITRI grant project to establish a constellation of tanker satellites that will function as orbital fuel stations serving LEO, GEO, cis-Lunar, and interplanetary missions. This in-orbit refuelling ecosystem aims to dramatically lower operational costs while enabling dynamic satellite operations similar to ground-based refuelling infrastructure.
International Collaboration Framework
The MAITRI grant programme, administered by Australia’s Centre for Australia-India Relations, represents a significant investment in strengthening bilateral ties through innovative projects that reflect the dynamism of the Australia-India partnership. The OrbitAID selection demonstrates the programme’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge space tech India initiatives with global impact potential.
The collaboration contract was signed at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, symbolising the international recognition of OrbitAID’s in-orbit refuelling technology. This MAITRI grant partnership establishes a precedent for future Indo-Australian space cooperation in satellite servicing and orbital sustainability.
Future of Orbital Sustainability
OrbitAID’s MAITRI grant success positions the company to lead India’s emergence as a global hub for satellite servicing and in-orbit refuelling technology. The startup employs 30 professionals and plans to expand to 45 team members within the next year to support growing demand for space tech India solutions.
The in-orbit refuelling technology developed through the MAITRI grant programme will standardise satellite refuelling mechanisms, promoting space sustainability while extending spacecraft lifespans. This OrbitAID achievement represents a critical step toward establishing India as a leading provider of orbital services in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
