IN-SPACe picks 6 AI space projects for grants of up to Rs 1-cr each
BENGALURU: Space regulator-cum-promoter Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has selected six private space-sector entities for seed-fund grants under its AI INSPIRED programme, which aims to encourage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in space technology.The projects span precision landing, space situational awareness, debris detection, satellite servicing and refuelling, automated target recognition, and spacecraft autonomy. Two other entities have been selected for mentorship and technical support, including access to Isro facilities for technology validation.The programme, announced in Feb 2026 under IN-SPACe’s Seed Fund Scheme, has a total outlay of up to Rs 6 crore, with each selected entity eligible for a grant of up to Rs 1 crore. The funding is intended to help start-ups and micro and small enterprises develop AI-based solutions for space applications.Among the selected projects, Agnikul Cosmos will develop an edge AI-enabled vision-based terminal navigation module for precision landing. The technology is aimed at improving navigation during the final stages of a landing manoeuvre.Digantara has been selected for its Agentic RSO Evaluation Suite (ARES), while EON Space Labs will develop an intelligent optical payload using field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based edge AI. The latter project aims to enable real-time space situational awareness and detection of space debris.OrbitAid Aerospace will work on machine-learning-assisted pose estimation algorithms for on-orbit servicing and refuelling. Such algorithms can help spacecraft determine their relative positions and orientations, an important requirement for operations involving approaching, docking with or servicing another spacecraft.Omnipresent Robot Technologies has been selected for an automated target recognition project covering applications such as defence and docking. TakeMeToSpace will work on adaptive spacecraft autonomy through an AI modernisation programme for attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), which help establish a spacecraft’s orientation and maintain its intended direction.IN-SPACe has also selected Foucault Private Limited and AkashaVeda Technologies for mentorship and technical support, although they are not listed among the six seed-fund grantees.Foucault will work on an autonomous collision avoidance system for spacecraft using AI and machine learning. AkashaVeda’s project focuses on AI-based mission management, covering both onboard and ground operations. The two entities will receive opportunities to use IN-SPACe and Isro facilities to validate their technologies. They will also be considered for technology transfer from the Department of Space.As per IN-SPACe, the initiative is part of its efforts to expand private participation in India’s space sector by supporting the development of indigenous technologies and products.
