Chennai: Space-tech startup InspeCity has raised Rs 100 crore in pre-series A funding as it plans flight qualification and ramp up commercial activity.Founded in 2022, the company focuses on satellite inspection and life extension and has developed a suite of technologies including satellite propulsion systems. With the capital, it aims to commercialise its in-space servicing architecture, starting with satellite life extension. It plans four in-orbit missions over the next 12-18 months to advance flight qualification across its propulsion technologies, sensing, autonomous operations, robotics, docking and refuelling.InspeCity also aims to scale its propulsion systems offerings. The round was led by Speciale Invest and Ashish Kacholia, with participation from Antler and others. Prof Arindrajit Chowdhury, founder and CEO of InspeCity, said, adding, “We have built VEDA or vehicle for life-extension and deorbiting activities, an autonomous architecture designed to extend satellite lifetimes and, in the future, enable more sophisticated orbital servicing. We are transitioning from proving technologies individually to qualifying an integrated architecture in space and putting it to work for customers.”He said the company has preliminary agreements with various customers and engages with the government. InspeCity has been supported by the ministry of defence’s iDEX programme.
