Aule Space, a Bangalore-based start-up, is pioneering autonomous “jetpack” propulsion modules that dock with ageing geostationary communication satellites, taking over station‑keeping duties and extending their operational lifespans by up to six years.

This breakthrough could save operators hundreds of millions of dollars by avoiding premature retirement of fully functional satellites.

Aule Space has designed compact propulsion units that act as mobile power and propulsion banks in orbit. These “jetpacks” latch onto satellites that have exhausted their onboard fuel reserves, ensuring they remain in their designated orbital slots.

Many geostationary communication satellites, often costing more than $300 million to build, are retired solely because they can no longer perform station‑keeping despite their payloads remaining operational. By attaching a jetpack, operators can continue generating revenue without launching replacements.

The company has validated its camera‑based guidance, navigation, and control system at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Rendezvous Simulation Laboratory, the same facility used for India’s SpaDeX docking mission.

This milestone demonstrated the feasibility of non‑cooperative docking, meaning the jetpacks can attach to satellites that were never designed with servicing ports. Instead, Aule plans to dock via the liquid apogee motor nozzle, a standard external feature on most GEO satellites.

The propulsion system within these jetpacks is engineered for precision manoeuvres. It provides thrust sufficient for orbital corrections, station‑keeping, and controlled repositioning.

By assuming propulsion responsibilities, the jetpacks effectively rejuvenate satellites, extending their service lives by up to five or six years. This innovation is particularly valuable given the enormous capital and operational costs associated with GEO communication satellites.

Aule Space has already raised early funding, including $2 million in a pre‑seed round led by pi Ventures. The start-up has reached Technology Readiness Level 6, with plans to demonstrate in‑orbit docking next year.

A successful demonstration would elevate the technology to TRL 9, paving the way for commercial contracts. The company expects its missions to cost between $20 million and $30 million, significantly cheaper than alternatives such as Northrop Grumman’s satellite life‑extension missions.

The broader market context is compelling. Globally, there are thousands of satellites nearing end‑of‑life due to fuel depletion.

Aule’s solution directly addresses this challenge, offering a cost‑effective and scalable approach to orbital servicing. By extending operational lifespans, satellite operators can defer expensive replacements, reduce orbital debris, and maximise returns on their investments.

The docking process remains the most technically demanding aspect. Aule’s system uses camera‑only navigation, supported by advanced algorithms for relative positioning and autonomous manoeuvring. 

Ground tests have recreated orbital lighting conditions with sun simulators and robotic arms to simulate target motion, achieving high docking success rates. If successful in orbit, this would mark one of the world’s first private demonstrations of non‑cooperative satellite docking.

The implications extend beyond economics. By prolonging satellite lifespans, Aule’s technology contributes to sustainability in space operations, reducing the frequency of launches and mitigating orbital congestion. It also positions India as a leader in private‑sector orbital servicing, complementing ISRO’s achievements in space exploration and satellite deployment.

Agencies