Aule Space secures $2M to extend satellite lifespans with jetpack tech

Aule Space, a startup focused on extending satellite lifespans, has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by pi Ventures, with contributions from angel investors like Arvind Lakshmikumar and Eash Sundaram. The company plans to use the funds to develop its first demonstration satellite, set for launch next year.

The Bangalore-based firm specialises in on-orbit servicing, a field with few established competitors. Its technology aims to extend the operational life of geostationary (GEO) communication satellites by up to six years. This would be achieved using jetpack satellites that dock with ageing spacecraft to provide propulsion and stabilisation.

Aule Space has already secured early backing from India's space ecosystem, including seed funding from IN-SPACe. The upcoming demonstration satellite will test its docking technology in orbit, serving as a critical proof of concept. Alongside satellite development, the company is building ground-based infrastructure for testing and refining its systems.

With the fresh capital, Aule Space will expand its engineering team. The startup also intends to raise a larger round of around $5 million to support future missions and scale operations.

The $2 million funding marks a key step for Aule Space as it prepares to launch its first test satellite. If successful, the technology could offer a cost-effective way to prolong the life of high-value GEO satellites. The company's next moves include team growth, infrastructure development, and securing further investment for expansion.