New Delhi, March 31
Two Indian space startups have partnered to develop technology aimed at tackling the growing problem of space debris — non-functional, human-made objects such as defunct satellites orbiting Earth.
Bengaluru-based spacecraft manufacturer Pixxel will provide a satellite bus to Hyderabad-based startup Cosmoserve Space for its upcoming debris removal mission, the companies announced on Tuesday. A satellite bus serves as the core structure of a satellite, supporting its payload and enabling mission operations.
Pixxel founder and CEO Awais Ahmed said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable space environment. He emphasised that responsible access to space requires active efforts to manage and protect orbital conditions.
Under the agreement, Pixxel’s satellite platform will act as the base for Cosmoserve to integrate and test its proprietary debris capture and removal technologies in orbit.
Cosmoserve Space founder and CEO Chiranjeevi Phanindra B said Pixxel’s proven capabilities, including the deployment of its Firefly satellites, provide confidence for the success of the demonstration mission.
Space debris has emerged as a growing concern for the global space industry due to the increasing number of defunct satellites and orbital fragments. These objects pose a risk of collisions that can damage operational satellites and disrupt critical services such as navigation and weather forecasting
