Hyderabad Startup TakeMe2Space to Launch India’s First ‘Thinking’ Satellite

HYDERABAD, India — A Hyderabad-based startup, TakeMe2Space, is set to revolutionize space technology. It plans to launch India’s first AI-powered “thinking” satellite. Unlike traditional satellites, this one won’t just collect data. It will analyze and interpret data in orbit.

The satellite, named MOI-1, uses an advanced AI-inference model. This allows it to process information in real time. By reducing data sent back to Earth, it saves time, bandwidth, and costs. The startup aims to make space research more accessible. Students, researchers, and startups can remotely access the satellite’s capabilities.
Founded in 2024 by Ronak Kumar Samantray, TakeMe2Space has made rapid progress. It raised Rs 5.5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Seafund. The funds will support MOI-1’s launch and expand operations. The startup has already completed two missions with ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experiment Platform. These demonstrated a novel radiation shielding coat.

TakeMe2Space envisions building data centers in space. It plans to deploy 5,000 satellites in the next decade. The company is also exploring energy solutions like low-energy nuclear reaction technology. This could power future deep-space missions.Based at IIIT Hyderabad’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, TakeMe2Space employs over 17 people. It has developed 15 satellite sensors and subsystems. The startup’s go-to-market strategy targets India, Australia, and Europe.

MOI-1’s launch is expected to attract over 15 early customers. They will run orbital applications on the AI lab. The project aligns with India’s push to democratize space exploration. It also strengthens domestic capabilities in propulsion and radiation shielding.

Experts see TakeMe2Space as a game-changer. Its shift from data collection to in-orbit intelligence could redefine satellite applications. The startup’s work may pave the way for smarter, more efficient space missions globally.