India’s EON Space Labs Unveils Germanium‑Free AI Imaging System for Next‑Gen ISR Missions

EON LUMIRA

Deep-tech startup EON Space Labs has launched an indigenously developed ultra-lightweight Germanium-free EO and infrared imaging system designed for advanced aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Lumira_E40I50 was designed and engineered to eliminate reliance on germanium, a critical mineral for defence electronics and long-wave infrared imaging.

Designed and manufactured in India, Lumira bypasses the global germanium supply chain, riddled by ongoing export restrictions and price volatility. India is currently 100% import dependent, and geopolitically motivated trade restrictions have caused prices to shoot more than 3 times since mid-2023.

“We made a deliberate decision early to design and engineer a germanium-free infrared imaging system. By eliminating any dependence on its use for thermal imaging, we’ve developed a system that’s resilient not only to supply chain disruptions but also enables scalable, cost-effective domestic manufacturing,” said Sanjay Kumar, Co-founder of EON Space Labs.

Lumira delivers real-time Edge AI detection and classification capabilities that can detect humans from a distance of up to 2 kms and vehicles at 8 kms. The complete suite includes 40X optical zoom, a long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal sensor, and gimbal. Weight as per specs ranges from 800g to 2.2kg, making it suitable as a plug and play payload for compact UAVs, drones, aerostats and eVTOLS, that engineered to MIL-STD-810H standards, and capable of performing in extreme temperatures from -20°C to +55°C.

 

Cofounders of EON Space Labs (Left to Right, Punit Badeka, Sanjay Kumar, Manoj Kumar Gaddam)

“Lumira is much easier to manufacture domestically at scale and has global export potential. The future of military-grade imaging relies on innovations that combine advanced performance, mission endurance, and payload flexibility, with a zero-compromise mindset on technological sovereignty," added Punit Badeka, Co-founder of EON Space Labs.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has forced Israel, accounting for almost 15% of India’s defence imports, to temporarily halt critical exports that include missiles, UAVs, radars, sensors, electro-optics and EW systems. EON Space Labs is also readying the launch of a ground-based ISR platform, named Raven, by mid-2026, to address the present-day reality of asymmetric warfare, driven by the threat of loitering munitions and kamikaze attack drones.

Hyderabad’s EON Space Labs’ MIRA Set for December Orbit After Historic Space-Grade Certification

• The electro optical payload is scheduled for a heritage space flight aboard an upcoming satellite orbit mission in December 2025.
• The milestone is a major step toward India’s first indigenously built compact space grade telescope weighing a mere 502 grams.

EON Space Labs, a Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup, specialising in multi-domain earth observation, confirmed that its flagship electro optical space telescope ‘MIRA’, successfully completed thermo-vacuum (TVAC) testing. The milestone qualifies MIRA as India’s first indigenously developed space telescope, ready to tackle the harsh environment of space during low earth orbit (LEO) missions.

MIRA has been developed as an electro optical payload onboard satellites, utilised for dual-use strategic defence and commercial space missions.

MIRA SPACE Telescope During TVAC Testing.

Sanjay Kumar, Co-founder, EON Space Labs, said, This is a truly defining moment for us. Space grade certification proves that ultra complex, high-precision imaging platforms can now be built and certified entirely from within India. 

MIRA Front View

The miniaturised space telescope meets stringent NASA-standards for space-readiness, tested for temperature stability, vacuum tolerance, and in-orbit operational reliability. Testing was conducted at an NABL-accredited facility in Ahmedabad at vacuum levels below 10⁻⁵ torr and extreme temperature swings between −20 °C and +60 °C. MIRA performed beyond expectations with negligible outgassing and zero optical or structural drift. It was also integrated with the onboard high performance computer of its satellite partners, successfully demonstrating autonomous imaging and telemetry under simulated orbital conditions. MIRA is scheduled for a heritage space flight onboard an upcoming satellite orbit mission, later in December 2025.

Punit Badeka, Cofounder, EON Space Labs, said, MIRA enables the highest-quality imagery at a fraction of traditional size and weight limitations. We’re not only focused on India’s self-reliance in earth observation but aim to tap the global market with MIRA.

Designed to deliver the highest-resolution imagery while weighing barely 502 gms, MIRA is at least 3 to 4 times lighter than conventional space telescopes. Payload delivery costs which can be as high as USD 10K to 20K per kilogram can be slashed without the need for compromising on image resolution.

Our vertically integrated optical and AI-enabled stack delivers an operational payload perfectly aligned for the extreme environment of space, added Manoj Kumar Gaddam, Co-founder, EON Space Labs.

While MIRA heads toward orbit, EON Space Labs is also focusing on the parallel development of its LUMIRA EO/IR aerial imaging and reconnaissance platforms, designed as a dual-use payload for drones, UAVs, eVTOL and fixed wing aircraft. The approach reinforces the startup's commitment to vertically integrated optics designed for multi-domain dual-use applications across space, aerial and ground-based platforms.

About EON Space Labs

Left to Right — Cofounders at EON Space Labs, Punit Badeka, Manoj Kumar Gaddam, Sanjay Kumar 

EON Space Labs is a trailblazer in the imaging industry, delivering cutting-edge solutions to diverse industries globally. With unparalleled expertise in designing and developing imaging systems from the ground up, we provide versatile solutions for a wide range of applications, spanning sectors like aerospace, defense, and commercial industries.

In a world increasingly reliant on visual data, EON Space Labs stands out by creating advanced imaging systems that serve as critical enablers of actionable insights. Our state-of-the-art EO-IR technologies position us as a key innovator in high-value markets such as satellite technology and drones/UAVs, while our vision extends to uncovering untapped opportunities across emerging domains. At the core of our innovation lies a commitment to miniaturizing optical payloads, revolutionizing data affordability and accessibility. By democratizing high-quality imaging solutions, we enable businesses and organizations to harness the power of visual data effectively, fostering better decision-making and operational efficiency. This approach solidifies EON Space Labs' reputation as a leader in the imaging industry, driving transformation through visionary technology and unmatched reliability.