In the vast expanse of the unknown, where the limits of human exploration meet the boundaries of the universe, a new player has emerged, promising to redefine the space industry. Erisha Space, a startup based in India, is embarking on a mission to revolutionise space technology and usher in an era of cost-effective satellite solutions.

In an exclusive interview with AIM, Dr Darshan Rana, managing director and chairman of Erisha Space, said that instead of a competitive approach, Indian space tech startups are taking a collaborative approach within the industry.

Founded a year ago in New Delhi and now operating out of Bengaluru, Erisha Space has been leveraging multi-mission satellite sensors, ground instruments, SCADA, and socio-economic data to develop mathematical models for tracking and monitoring large-scale changes in the environment for tackling climate change. 

“Erisha Space has developed the Satellite System Platform (SSP) with an aim to provide low-cost solutions to companies in agriculture, e-mobility, aerospace, and maritime and defence tech sectors,” said Rana. Erisha’s ambitions extend far beyond just satellites. The company envisions a comprehensive ecosystem that includes upstream satellite production, downstream ground systems, web GIS, and data products.

Last month, the company announced its plan to launch a satellite equipping AI-based image processing capabilities for environmental analysis and sustainable development. The satellite, set to be launched in 2024, will boost the company’s remote vision capabilities by GIS and photogrammetry in various domains.

 “By integrating AI and ML algorithms into our offerings, we aim to dramatically reduce costs, making remote sensing solutions more accessible to a wide range of industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, and defence,” added Rana. 

Erisha Space’s team comprises various experienced players in the industry such as Debaddata Mishra, the director and COO of Erisha Space, who has also worked as a senior scientist at ISRO’s Gaganyaan Project.

Collaboration over competition is what Indian space industry needs

Driven by a collaborative approach, Erisha Space and other space tech startups in India work together rather than engaging in cutthroat competition. Each company focuses on different segments, such as satellite production, launch vehicles, components, or software development, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits the entire industry.

Even then, what sets Erisha Space apart from others is its holistic approach to space technology. “Unlike other companies focused solely on satellite production or launching, Erisha is involved in every aspect of the process,” said Rana. The startup designs and produces satellites in-house, develops ground systems applications, and analyses the data collected by their satellites, giving them the edge over others.

“I can say this is the collaborative approach because there is no competition as of now in India,” emphasised Rana. Some companies are developing satellites, other companies are  developing launch vehicles and components, while others are developing software. “Companies like us are coming into all segments to act as supporters. We are working on the last segment so we can support agriculture, defence, oil and gas,” Rana explained his Erisha Space’s position in the spacetech landscape.

Erisha Space’s technological innovations lie in their satellite designs. They are pioneers in the development of nano and micro-satellites with enhanced resolution capabilities. These miniaturised satellites can be modified and controlled remotely, allowing for real-time adjustments and reducing latency in data delivery. This breakthrough technology enables Erisha Space to offer comprehensive solutions that include high-quality imagery and advanced software analytics to their customers, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellite systems.

Government and future plans

In April, the announcement of the Indian Space Policy 2023 made the space available for private sectors. “This strategy is undoubtedly highly encouraging and beneficial for space companies like ours, who are attempting not only to develop low-cost space technologies, but also to make space technology accessible, acceptable, and affordable to society,” said Rana. With this approach, NGEs can now use ISRO’s test facilities and R&D expertise for a minimal user fee, which are both expensive and time-devouring. “As a startup, we cannot afford such investments,” added Rana.

This highlights how like any space startup, Erisha Space faces its fair share of infrastructure challenges. “The industry is still relatively new, and the lack of infrastructure and readily available technology components pose obstacles,” said Rana. 

While India is just beginning to tap into the potential of the private space sector, they are learning valuable lessons from countries like the US. The Indian government also planned to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the space sector, paving the way for big-tech companies to invest in India. Rana said that the Indian government could further support the growth of the space tech startup ecosystem by introducing incentives and policies that encourage innovation and attract more investment.

Relying on third-party organisations for manufacturing and launch services also presents difficulties. Additionally, securing adequate funding for their ambitious projects remains a constant challenge. Despite these obstacles, Erisha Space is determined to overcome them by developing most of their components and subsystems in-house, collaborating with experienced scientists and space agencies, and exploring fundraising options.

Looking to the future, Erisha Space aims to develop a data analytics platform that combines data from satellites, airborne sources, and ground stations. By leveraging AI and ML processing methods, Erisha Space intends to offer comprehensive monitoring systems for agriculture, oil and gas, defence, infrastructure planning, agronomics, and mapping. 

As Erisha Space progresses towards its goals, they have set their sights on launching an SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) by 2026. This launch vehicle will have a payload capacity of 1,000 kg. Additionally, Erisha is actively researching reusable satellite technology to further enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their systems, something which ISRO achieved just a few months back with RLV LEX.

It is clear that this startup is here to stay and its collaborative approach will make its space defined in the Indian space ecosystem.

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