Hyderabad-based space technology startup TakeMe2Space has successfully raised $5  million in a seed funding round, led by Chiratae Ventures. This round also attracted  investments from Unicorn India Ventures, Artha Venture Fund, and Seafund. This  funding represents a significant step forward in the company’s ambition to create  India’s inaugural orbital data centre infrastructure and enhance AI computing  capabilities directly in space. 

The funds will be allocated towards expanding TakeMe2Space’s satellite constellation,  bolstering in-orbit AI computing capabilities, and accelerating research into high-power  compute satellites that can manage advanced workloads beyond our planet. 

Launch of MOI-1 Satellite Marks the Beginning of OrbitLab Vision 

Founder and CEO Ronak Kumar Samantray expressed optimism as 2026 kicks off with  the anticipated launch of the company’s first major satellite, MOI-1, which will power its  OrbitLab platform. He mentioned that the company is transitioning from a single  satellite-based solution to a comprehensive, interconnected satellite infrastructure. 

The 14-kg MOI-1 satellite is set to launch on January 12 aboard ISRO’s PSLV C-62  mission. Equipped with the MIRA space telescope, this satellite is designed to operate  as an ‘AI lab in space,’ enabling around 15 customers to conduct experiments and run AI  workloads in orbit. 

Future Plans Include Satellite Replication and New Missions Looking ahead, TakeMe2Space aims to launch MOI-2, which will replicate the  capabilities of MOI-1 and boost the company’s total in-orbit compute capacity to nearly 

200 watts. Additionally, the upcoming AaduSat mission will focus on demonstrating  propulsion systems for orbit maintenance and validating optical satellite  communication links. 

The AaduSat mission will also explore the use of silicon-based solar cells in orbit,  presenting an alternative to the traditional triple-junction gallium arsenide cells typically  employed in space applications. 

Creating a Distributed Data Centre in Space 

Founded in 2024, TakeMe2Space is dedicated to developing high-compute satellites  and an orbital platform that enables customers to deploy and operate AI models  directly in space. The company’s goal is to democratise access to space-based  experimentation, allowing users from various backgrounds to conduct satellite  missions without institutional barriers. 

As part of its long-term vision, the startup plans to deploy six satellites to support the  OrbitLab platform. Collectively, these satellites will provide nearly 5 kilowatts of in-orbit  compute capacity and will be interconnected through optical inter-satellite links, laying  the groundwork for a distributed space-based data centre. 

Team Expansion and Global Market Strategy 

Samantray highlighted that expanding the team will be a top priority in the coming  months, with plans to increase the workforce from 17 to approximately 50–60  employees across engineering and sales roles. The funding will also facilitate  TakeMe2Space’s growth in India, the United States, and Australia. 

The company intends to strengthen partnerships with ground station operators and  satellite assembly providers while enhancing customer support to promote the  adoption of its orbital computing services. 

Investor Confidence and Technological Validation\ 

Commenting on the investment, Ranjith Menon, managing director at Chiratae  Ventures, noted that TakeMe2Space is redefining access to orbit by transforming  satellites into shared infrastructure. He emphasized that the founding team’s strong  execution capabilities were pivotal in securing the investment. 

Previously, the startup successfully tested its MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstrator) aboard ISRO’s SpaDeX mission in December 2024. This test  validated encrypted AI model uploads, in-orbit code execution, secure data  downlinking, and radiation shielding technology designed to extend satellite lifespan  using standard electronic components.