Hyderabad-based spacetech startup Cosmoserve Space has raised $6 million in a seed funding round from Japan-based Rebright Partners, Aranya Holdings, Naandi Ventures and existing investors AUM Ventures and Shakti VC. The latest investment takes the total funding raised by the startup to more than $9 million.
The fresh capital will be used to develop Base 1, conduct technology demonstrations and support two upcoming space missions, according to a company press release.
The latest round follows a $3.17 million pre-seed funding round raised in September 2025. The oversubscribed round was led by Alan Rutledge, with participation from AUM Ventures and Shakti VC.
Cosmoserve Infrastructure
Alongside the funding announcement, Cosmoserve Space has inaugurated Base 1, a private facility focused on developing technologies for satellite servicing and space debris removal.
The facility is designed to support work on in-orbit repairs, satellite refuelling and the recovery of defunct satellites. These activities involve developing systems that can approach, capture and service satellites already operating in space.
According to the startup, Base 1 is the sixth facility globally equipped with space vision effects and microgravity simulation capabilities. It brings together infrastructure for designing, building, testing and operating technologies related to satellite servicing and debris recovery.
The development comes as satellite operators and space companies explore ways to extend the operational life of satellites and manage the growing number of inactive objects in Earth's orbit.
Local Manufacturing
Cosmoserve currently sources nearly 60% of its mission components from domestic suppliers. The company plans to increase local manufacturing by developing critical technologies in-house and reducing its dependence on imported components.
Its focus areas include optics, avionics and space-grade electronics, which are important for developing and operating spacecraft systems.
The company is also working on a proprietary Dual Spacecraft Architecture. Under this approach, two spacecraft work together to service multiple satellites rather than following the conventional model in which a separate servicing mission is planned for each satellite.
Cosmoserve estimates that the approach could reduce satellite servicing costs from around $10 million to below $1 million per satellite. However, the cost reduction will depend on the successful development and demonstration of the technology.
First Mission Faces Setback
In July 2026, Cosmoserve flew its first payload, Mission Embrace, aboard Skyroot Aerospace Vikram-1 rocket. The company said the flight hardware was developed in less than four months, around six months ahead of its planned schedule.
However, the mission did not achieve all its intended objectives. The robotic capture petals, which were designed to deploy as part of the demonstration, did not open as planned.
The company said the mission provided technical data that would be used for further development. The results are expected to guide improvements to its robotic capture systems before subsequent demonstrations.
Cosmoserve plans to test these systems through microgravity flights and fly Mission Embrace again. It is also targeting a full-scale demonstration of space debris capture in 2027.
About Cosmoserve Space
Founded in 2025 by Chiranjeevi Phanindra, Cosmoserve Space is a Hyderabad-based spacetech startup developing technologies for satellite servicing and space debris removal. Its business model centres on providing in-orbit services that could help satellite operators repair, refuel or recover spacecraft without relying on separate replacement missions.
The startup is developing its Dual Spacecraft Architecture to make these services more affordable and scalable. Its longer-term plans include building the technology and infrastructure required to support satellite maintenance and the removal of inactive spacecraft from orbit.
Indian Spacetech Sector
Cosmoserve is part of a growing group of Indian spacetech startups working across areas such as launch vehicles, satellite manufacturing, space-based data services and orbital infrastructure.
The sector has attracted investor interest as private companies take on a larger role in developing technologies and services for the space industry.
Hyderabad has also developed into an important centre for spacetech businesses, supported by its aerospace and defence ecosystem, engineering workforce and research infrastructure.
For Cosmoserve, the next stage will depend on the performance of its upcoming technology demonstrations and its ability to move from early-stage testing towards practical satellite servicing missions. The planned 2027 debris capture demonstration will be an important step in assessing the readiness of its technology.Bold Text
