InspeCity Partners Japanese Startup To Tackle Space Debris

Spacetech startup InspeCity has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japanese startup Orbital Lasers to explore laser-based solutions for removing space debris. 

In a statement, InspeCity said that the two startups will jointly study the experimental approach of using laser-equipped satellites to remove debris from orbit. They will also collaborate on business opportunities in areas such as satellite life extension and in-orbit assembly and manufacturing (ISAM).

The partnership will also encompass aspects such as joint market exploration, technical studies, information exchange and regulatory compliance to ensure the successful integration of their technologies. In addition, the two sides will also undertake a “regulatory study” on ISAM legal frameworks in India, Japan, and other targeted markets.

Orbital Lasers is building a system that will utilise high-power lasers to stabilise cooperative and non-cooperative objects without physical contact. By vaporising targeted areas on the object’s surface, the laser can reduce rotational motion, simplifying debris removal or servicing.

These laser systems can be mounted on InspeCity’s robotic satellites if the startups clear regulatory requirements in India and Japan. This is where the synergies between them come in. 

“Our collaboration with Orbital Lasers represents a significant step toward achieving more sustainable and efficient space operations. The integration of cutting-edge laser technologies with our ISAM systems has the potential to redefine in-orbit life extension,” said InspeCity cofounder and CEO Arindrajit Chowdhury. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Tadanori Fukushima, representative director and CEO of Orbital Lasers, added, “… This collaboration represents a significant milestone, uniting Japan and India in a private space alliance to advance space technology. By combining InspeCity’s expertise with OLC’s advanced laser systems, we aim to revolutionise orbital operations and deliver cutting-edge solutions from Asia to the world”.

Founded in 2022 by IIT Bombay professor Chowdhury and his student Tausif Shaikh, InspeCity’s flagship platform VEDA (Vehicle for Life Extension and Deorbiting Activities) integrates technologies such as propulsion, robotics as well as rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) to extend satellite lifespans and reduce space debris. 

The spacetech startup raised $1.5 Mn in its pre-seed funding round co-led by Antler India and Veda VC last year. 

The partnership comes at a time when the Indian startup ecosystem has seen the rise of a number of spacetech startups that have raised millions of dollars in funding and created cutting-edge innovations. Agnikul, Skyroot, Digantara, Pixxel, SatSure, among others, are notable spacetech startups in the country.

As per Inc42, the homegrown commercial spacetech market is projected to reach a market size of $77 Bn by 2030.