SOURCE: AFI
Ahmedabad-based space tech startup Orbitt Space, founded by former ISRO scientists Christopher Parmar and Anupam Kumar, is making strides in revolutionizing satellite operations with its innovative air-breathing electric propulsion system. The startup, established in early 2025, is focused on enabling long-duration satellite missions in Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO) below 250 km altitude—a region previously considered inaccessible due to high atmospheric drag and fuel constraints. Orbitt Space has announced plans for its first space demonstration mission via ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform, scheduled for mid-2026, marking a significant step towards sustainable space operations.
The air-breathing electric propulsion system developed by Orbitt Space utilizes residual atmospheric gases as propellant, eliminating the need for onboard fuel. This breakthrough technology aims to allow satellites to operate sustainably for 5–7 years in the high-drag environment of ULEO, addressing the challenges of satellite longevity in orbit.
By operating in ULEO, satellites can benefit from natural deorbiting, which mitigates the growing issue of space debris in higher Low Earth Orbit (LEO) regions, where over 40,000 tracked objects and an estimated 1.2 million smaller debris fragments pose collision risks. Additionally, ULEO offers enhanced imaging resolution, reduced signal latency, and radiation protection, enabling the use of cost-effective commercial electronics.
Christopher Parmar, Co-founder and CEO of Orbitt Space, emphasized the strategic importance of ULEO, stating, “This orbit is the cleanest and most strategic around Earth, yet it has remained untapped until now. Our propulsion system will enable satellites to deliver advanced imaging and data capabilities without contributing to orbital pollution.” Anupam Kumar, Co-founder and CTO, added, “Having worked on satellite environment testing at ISRO, I’ve seen the challenges of maintaining satellite longevity in orbit. Our goal is to redefine global standards for performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.”
Orbitt Space recently secured $1 million in pre-seed funding led by pi Ventures, with participation from IIMA Ventures, on May 28, 2025. The capital is being utilized to accelerate the design and development of its proprietary propulsion technology and avionics systems, build a world-class team of scientists and engineers, and conduct rigorous testing of its first prototype. The upcoming POEM demonstration in mid-2026 will be a critical milestone to validate the technology in space, following ground tests that have already shown promise.
The startup’s efforts align with India’s growing space innovation ecosystem, fueled by ISRO’s legacy and the rise of private space ventures. Orbitt’s 200 kg-class satellite bus, paired with its propulsion system, is designed for applications such as Earth observation, climate monitoring, low-latency telecommunications, and surveillance. By pioneering access to ULEO, Orbitt Space aims to position India as a leader in this emerging orbital frontier, potentially disrupting the global satellite market with cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
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