Ex-ISRO Scientists' Orbitt Space Secures $1 Mn to Revolutionize Ultra-Low Orbit Propulsion

Orbitt Space, an Ahmedabad-based space-tech startup founded by former ISRO scientists, has recently secured $1 million in pre-seed funding led by pi Ventures, with support from IIMA Ventures, said a report by The Economic Times. The 2-months old start-up company is pioneering air-breathing electric propulsion for satellites operating in Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO)-below 250 km altitude.

Orbitt Space was founded in March 2025 by Christopher Parmar and Anupam Kumar, both former ISRO scientists. The company specializes in air-breathing electric propulsion for Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO) satellites, aiming to revolutionize fuel-free, sustainable satellite operations.

Christopher described ULEO as a "blue ocean” opportunity, highlighting how traditional LEO operations face increasing collision risks due to over 40,000 tracked objects and millions of debris fragments. Orbitt’s propulsion system aims to unlock sustainable, fuel-free satellite operations, positioning India at the forefront of next-gen space infrastructure.

This breakthrough propulsion system uses residual atmospheric gases instead of onboard fuel, enabling longer satellite missions while reducing orbital pollution.

The funding will accelerate prototype testing, team expansion, and in-orbit demonstrations, positioning India at the forefront of sustainable space.

The air-breathing electric propulsion system is designed for Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO) satellites—a largely untapped region below 250 km altitude.

Key Funding Details:

• Technology Focus: Air-breathing propulsion using residual atmospheric gases instead of onboard fuel, enabling longer satellite missions and reducing orbital pollution.
• Strategic Impact: Addresses congestion in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), offering sharper imaging, lower signal latency, and radiation protection.
• Next Steps: Funds will support prototype testing, team expansion, and in-orbit demonstrations, paving the way for commercial rollout.
• Industry Context: Comes amid India's broader push to enhance satellite-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.