Bengaluru, January 2026 — Aule Space, a deep-tech startup developing autonomous satellites capable of docking and servicing other spacecraft in orbit, has raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by pi Ventures. The round also saw participation from a group of prominent angel investors, including Eash Sundaram, Arvind Lakshmikumar, and others.
The company, which has previously been part of the Entrepreneur First accelerator and is backed by the Transpose Platform, plans to use the fresh capital to expand its engineering team, build ground infrastructure for docking tests, and accelerate development of its first demonstration satellites, set to launch next year.
Pioneering Autonomous Docking Technology in Space
Founded in 2024 by Jay Panchal, Nithyaa Giri, and Hrishit Tambi, Aule Space is on a mission to make space operations more sustainable and cost-effective. The startup is developing satellites that can approach, inspect, and attach to other satellites in orbit — a breakthrough capability that can dramatically extend the lifespan of existing space assets and reduce space debris.
By enabling autonomous in-orbit docking, Aule Space aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges in the satellite industry: fuel scarcity and orbital decay. Its core innovation — an autonomous jetpack satellite — can attach itself to aging GEO satellites and maintain their orbital position, effectively extending their operational life by up to six years.
“Our goal is to redefine how satellites are maintained and managed in orbit. With our autonomous docking technology, we can help operators extend satellite lifespans, reduce costs, and make space more sustainable for the future,” said Jay Panchal, Co-founder and CEO of Aule Space.
Building India’s Next-Gen Space Servicing Fleet
According to the company, its upcoming demonstration satellites will validate Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) — a critical capability that allows spacecraft to safely approach, maneuver near, and physically connect with other satellites in orbit.
To achieve this, Aule Space is building a satellite-agnostic docking mechanism powered by AI-driven Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms. The technology will enable the creation of lightweight, cost-efficient fleets capable of performing satellite servicing, inspection, and repositioning missions with minimal human intervention.
The company plans to launch its first RPOD demonstration satellites next year, marking a key milestone toward commercial deployment. In the long term, Aule Space envisions operating a robotic workforce in orbit, providing maintenance, inspection, and deorbiting services for the growing global satellite ecosystem.
A Global Opportunity with Indian Innovation
As global demand for satellite servicing grows, Aule Space is positioning itself among a select group of innovators tackling in-orbit sustainability. The Bengaluru-based company joins a growing list of Indian startups pushing the frontier of space technology — including Orbitaid, which focuses on satellite refueling, Inspecity, which specializes in LEO inspection systems, and Cosmoserve, which is working on debris removal.
Internationally, the field is led by players like Northrop Grumman, which successfully executed a non-cooperative docking mission to extend a satellite’s life by five years — at a cost of nearly $13 million per year.
Aule Space’s approach, however, focuses on affordability, autonomy, and scalability, making it well-positioned to serve both commercial and defense customers as India builds momentum in its new space economy.
About Aule Space
Founded in 2024, Aule Space is an Indian deep-tech startup developing autonomous satellites for in-orbit servicing and docking. By combining advanced hardware design with AI-based navigation and control systems, Aule Space aims to make satellite operations safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable.
The company is currently building its first generation of Rendezvous and Docking (RPOD) satellites, with a demonstration mission planned for 2027.
Key Highlights
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Funding Raised: $2 million (₹16.6 crore)
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Lead Investor: pi Ventures
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Other Investors: Eash Sundaram, Arvind Lakshmikumar, and others
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Founded: 2024
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Founders: Jay Panchal, Nithyaa Giri, Hrishit Tambi
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Focus: Autonomous docking satellites and orbital servicing
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Use of Funds: Engineering expansion, ground testing infrastructure, demonstration satellite development
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Location: Bengaluru, India
Ankitt Yadu is the Editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where he leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.