Chennai: Validating its patented Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling (SIDRP) capabilities, OrbitAID Aerospace, an Indian space startup, claimed that SIDRP was successfully tested on a zero-gravity flight in Florida.
For OrbitAID Aerospace, an Indian space startup, working on refuelling of satellites in space this is a critical achievement. The test showcased SIDRP’s capabilities for on-orbit satellite servicing, including docking, refuelling, and proximity operations, in simulated space conditions.
Aboard a Zero-G flight, the test was conducted with OrbitAID’s founder and chief executive officer, Sakthikumar R, and co-founder and chief operating officer, Nikhil Balasubramanian, actively participating to oversee the operations. The successful demonstration proves SIDRP’s precision and reliability in microgravity, marking a significant step toward revolutionising satellite servicing.
Flying in a pattern called a “parabola” – a zero-gravity (zero-g) flight is a special airplane ride that lets you experience what it’s like to float in space, even though you’re still on Earth. The plane goes up and then dives down in a curve. During the dive, the plane and everything inside it fall at the same speed, creating a short period where you feel weightless, just like astronauts in space. NASA has been using it for the last 50 years for performing experiments to simulate space like conditions.
Sakthikumar R, founder and chief executive officer said, “This is a landmark achievement for OrbitAID and a proud moment for the team. The successful test of SIDRP in microgravity conditions brings us closer to our vision of sustainable satellite operations through on-orbit servicing. This test showcases SIDRP’s precision and robustness in simulated space conditions and validates our commitment to advancing space sustainability. The hands-on experience during the zero-gravity flight has been invaluable, offering insights that will guide us as we prepare for the next phase: demonstrating docking and refuelling in orbit.”
Co-founder and chief operating officer, Nikhil Balasubramanian stated, “This test not only proves the reliability of SIDRP but also underscores its potential to transform satellite operations. Extending satellite lifespans and reducing space debris are vital steps toward achieving sustainable space exploration. The successful test of SIDRP in microgravity conditions brings us closer to our vision of sustainable satellite operations through on-orbit servicing. We are thrilled to see SIDRP’s potential validated under microgravity conditions and look forward to continuing our work to redefine space sustainability.”
The success of reinforces OrbitAID’s position as a global leader in space innovation. OrbitAID’s SIDRP technology provides a standard interface for docking and refuelling, ensuring cost-effective and sustainable satellite operations., Early next year, OrbitAID’s next step will be the demonstration of docking and refuelling in orbit.
Raksha Anirveda's editorial desk team brings in the collective experience of creative professionals - a fine mix of senior copy editors, writers, proofreaders and designers. Working as a team, they continuously create, manage, and curate content to sustain the magazine's profile and reputation in line with market trends and achieve magazine's goal.
