Hyderabad Start-ups Build Mini Satellite for ISRO’s PSLV Launch

India’s private space sector continues to grow as two Hyderabad-based start-ups successfully prepare a compact Earth observation satellite for launch. Built at a fraction of the usual cost and time, this mini-satellite reflects India’s shift towards affordable, indigenous, and high-tech space solutions. The mission also highlights strong collaboration between start-ups, private aerospace facilities, and ISRO’s launch ecosystem, strengthening India’s commercial and strategic space capabilities.

Why in the News?

Two Hyderabad start ups have completed testing and integration of a 14 kg Earth observation mini-satellite in Ahmedabad and shipped it to Sriharikota. The satellite will be launched as a co-passenger on ISRO’s PSLV mission in early January 2026.

About the Mission

• The mission is called MOI-1, developed by TakeMe2Space with electro-optics support from EON Space Labs.
• It will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at around 500 km altitude.
• The satellite is designed for commercial and defence applications.
• Its projected operational life is 3-5 years.

Key Features of the Satellite

• Weight: Only 14 kg (much lighter than conventional 100-200 kg satellites).
• Camera Resolution: 9.2 metres with an 18.7 km swath.
• Multispectral Imaging: Captures data in nine spectral bands.
• Applications: Agriculture monitoring, urban mapping, ship detection, construction tracking.
• Onboard Computing: Processes data in orbit using AI instead of sending raw images.

Technology and Innovation

• Integrated with MIRA, a miniaturized space telescope developed by EON Space Labs.
• Built and tested at Azista BST Aerospace, Sanand GIDC, Ahmedabad.
• Total build cost: ₹2.5 crore, about 40–70% cheaper than global equivalents.
• Uses mostly indigenously developed hardware, with only one foreign component (Nvidia GPU).
• This marks a shift towards in-orbit data processing, reducing downlink costs and making Earth observation more accessible.

Significance for India’s Space Sector

• Shows the rising role of start-ups in India’s space economy.
• Supports the vision of low-cost, high-performance satellites.
• Enhances dual-use capabilities for both civilian and defense needs.
• Aligns with ISRO’s push to open space launches to private players.
• The satellite will launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre as one of about 18 co-passenger payloads.

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. The MOI-1 mini satellite will be launched using which ISRO launch vehicle?

A. GSLV Mk III
B. SSLV
C. PSLV
D. LVM-3