Ahmedabad-based spacetech startup Orbitt Space has raised USD 1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by pi Ventures, along with support from IIMA Ventures. This fresh capital marks a major step for the company as it works on developing fuel-free propulsion systems and advanced satellite platforms for Ultra Low Earth Orbit (ULEO)—a rarely used zone below 250 km from Earth.
Orbitt Space was founded in early 2025 by former ISRO scientists, Christopher Parmar (CEO) and Anupam Kumar (CTO). With years of experience working on reliable space systems, the duo now aims to overcome two major challenges in ULEO: high atmospheric drag and limited fuel capacity, both of which have stopped satellites from staying in that orbit for long durations.
Technology Uses Air
The core innovation behind Orbitt’s technology is a fuel-free electric propulsion system. Instead of carrying fuel, the satellite uses residual atmospheric gases as a propellant. This system will be installed on a 200kg-class satellite bus, making it ideal for uses like Earth observation, climate research, low-latency communication, surveillance, and scientific data collection.
Parmar said that ULEO is one of the cleanest and most valuable orbits, but it has been ignored because of technical barriers. Orbitt’s system will allow satellites to stay in this zone longer while producing better imaging and faster data transfer, without adding space junk.
Building Space Future
Kumar added that Orbitt Space is not just building propulsion systems but also aiming to change how the world operates satellites. The goal is to create a new standard for performance, lower costs, and more sustainable space missions.
Shubham Sandeep, Managing Director at pi Ventures, said they are excited to support Orbitt’s vision of using atmospheric gases instead of fuel for satellite movement. Currently in development, Orbitt plans to test its systems in space before launching its services commercially in the near future.
About Orbitt Space
Orbitt Space is an Ahmedabad-based startup founded in early 2025 by former ISRO scientists, specializing in developing advanced electric propulsion and avionics systems for satellites. The company focuses on ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) satellites with altitudes below 250 km, utilizing innovative air-breathing propulsion that leverages residual atmospheric gases to eliminate onboard fuel needs. Orbitt aims to enhance satellite manoeuvrability and control in congested low Earth orbit, targeting applications such as Earth observation, telecommunications, climate monitoring, and surveillance. The startup recently raised pre-seed funding led by Pi Ventures and plans in-orbit demonstrations before commercial rollout.
