Bengaluru's Aule Space builds jetpack satellites to extend communications satellites
Aule Space, a Bengaluru startup, is building smaller "jetpack" satellites that attach to aging $300 million-plus communications satellites and take over their propulsion, basically giving them a second life instead of letting them retire early just because they run out of fuel.
Aule Space to demo AI docking
Aule's tech could add up to five extra years for these expensive satellites to stay in action, helping operators avoid big losses.
Their docking system uses an onboard artificial intelligence-powered camera (no fancy lidar or infrared needed), which was successfully tested at Isro.
Next up: Aule will demo this camera-only docking with two satellites in low Earth orbit, aiming for the first private test of its kind.
If all goes well, your favorite TV and internet signals might stick around a lot longer!