In a landmark development, Hyderabad-based space-tech startup TakeMe2Space is set to launch India’s first ‘thinking’ satellite—a revolutionary AI-powered mission that processes data in space. Named MOI-TD (Mission: Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator), the satellite is scheduled for launch aboard an ISRO PSLV or SSLV rocket in September 2025.
This launch marks a turning point for India’s private space sector and places the country at the forefront of on-orbit artificial intelligence technology.
🧠 What Is a ‘Thinking’ Satellite?
Traditional satellites capture raw data and send it back to Earth, which often causes delays and data loss. In contrast, the MOI-TD satellite processes data directly in orbit using AI algorithms. This breakthrough technology allows the satellite to analyze data such as:
- Deforestation patterns
- Greenhouse gas levels
- Environmental changes
- Disaster response imaging
By processing data in real-time, the satellite reduces latency, cuts bandwidth usage, and delivers faster insights to researchers and institutions.
🔬 Open Access Through OrbitLab
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the MOI-TD mission is its accessibility. TakeMe2Space will offer users access to the satellite through a cloud platform called OrbitLab. This allows:
- Students,
- Researchers, and
- Startups
to upload and test their AI models in a real space environment—making space tech more democratic and accessible than ever before.
OrbitLab acts like an AI laboratory in orbit, turning a satellite into an open platform for experimentation.
📊 Who’s Behind the Mission?
TakeMe2Space, founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Ronak Kumar Samantray, has been on a mission to build next-generation orbital infrastructure. The startup is backed by IN-SPACe, India’s space regulator encouraging private sector participation. The MOI-TD mission has already completed its technology review and integration with ISRO’s payload requirements.
Following the MOI-TD launch, TakeMe2Space aims to deploy two additional operational satellites by the end of 2025—ushering in a new age of orbital data centers.
🌍 Why This Matters
This innovation represents a shift in how we approach satellite functionality:
- From data collection to real-time data intelligence
- From Earth-bound analysis to on-orbit AI computation
- From exclusive government use to inclusive public access
It’s a major step in India’s goal to grow its space economy from $8.4 billion in 2022 to $44 billion by 2033.
🚀 Other Indian Space Startups Making Waves
India’s private space race is heating up. Other key players include:
- Skyroot Aerospace – Hyderabad-based company developing Vikram-1 launch vehicles.
- Pixxel – A Bengaluru firm backed by Google, focused on hyperspectral satellite imaging.
- Agnikul Cosmos – Developing customizable micro-launchers from its spaceport in Tamil Nadu.
Together, these startups are reshaping India’s position in the global space ecosystem.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The fact that a Hyderabad startup launches India’s first thinking satellite is not just a technological milestone—it’s a cultural one. This mission exemplifies the power of Indian innovation and the rise of private entrepreneurship in shaping the future of space exploration.
As AI continues to integrate with aerospace technologies, TakeMe2Space’s MOI-TD mission could very well become the blueprint for future satellites worldwide.
