OrbitAID Aerospace, an Indian space startup focused on satellite refueling in space, has successfully tested its patented Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling (SIDRP) during a zero gravity flight in Florida.
This milestone validates SIDRP’s potential for on-orbit satellite servicing under simulated space conditions, including docking, refueling, and proximity operations.
The test took place aboard a Zero-G flight, with OrbitAID’s founder and CEO, Sakthikumar R, and co-founder and COO, Nikhil Balasubramanian, overseeing the operations. The successful demonstration showcases SIDRP’s precision and reliability in microgravity, marking a significant advancement in satellite servicing technology.
A zero-gravity (zero-g) flight is a unique airplane experience that mimics the sensation of floating in space while still on Earth. The aircraft follows a “parabola” flight pattern, ascending and diving in a curve. During the descent, both the plane and everything inside it fall at the same speed, creating a brief period of weightlessness, similar to the experience of astronauts. NASA has used this technique for over 50 years to simulate space conditions for experiments.
“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 refueling in orbit,” said Sakthikumar.
“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,” said Balasubramanian.
OrbitAID’s SIDRP technology offers a standardized interface for docking and refueling, enabling cost-effective and sustainable satellite operations. This achievement solidifies OrbitAID’s standing as a global leader in space innovation, with the next milestone being the demonstration of docking and refueling in orbit, scheduled for early next year.
