On October 2, Indian startups TakeMe2Space, SatLeo Labs, and EON Space Labs launched their innovative satellites aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-18 mission, pushing forward in-orbit artificial intelligence computing and multispectral Earth observation capabilities.
- TakeMe2Space’s AI satellite processes data onboard, reducing data download needs by 1000x
- SatLeo Labs and EON Space Labs contribute advanced thermal and multispectral imaging payloads
- Plans underway for a six-satellite constellation with enhanced computing and laser links
What happened
Indian spacetech startups TakeMe2Space, SatLeo Labs, and EON Space Labs successfully launched their satellites aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 during the Transporter-18 rideshare mission from California. TakeMe2Space’s MOI-1A satellite is equipped with a powerful AI computing platform designed to perform in-orbit data processing and inference. EON Space Labs’ MIRA multispectral imaging system and SatLeo Labs’ TAPAS-1 thermal imaging payload complement the Earth observation capabilities sent into space with this launch.
TakeMe2Space’s MOI-1A satellite boasts onboard computing capacity of 117 TOPS and 2 terabytes of storage, enabling customers to deploy AI models directly on orbit to analyze imagery and transmit only insights, drastically reducing data transmission volumes. SatLeo Labs’ TAPAS-1 captures land surface temperature data, while EON’s MIRA captures imagery across multiple spectral bands. SatLeo Labs’ payload is hosted on Dhruva Space’s LEAP-2 satellite, emphasizing collaboration in India’s spacetech ecosystem.
Why it matters
This launch marks a significant advancement in India’s capabilities for autonomous in-orbit AI data processing and Earth observation, which reduces dependency on ground stations for raw data downloads. By processing imagery onboard, TakeMe2Space’s approach minimizes data transmission bottlenecks and accelerates access to actionable insights in sectors such as agriculture, defense, supply chain monitoring, mining, and insurance.
The participation of startups like TakeMe2Space, SatLeo Labs, and EON Space Labs in international launch missions like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 emphasizes the maturation of India’s private space industry. TakeMe2Space has already attracted an international customer base comprising 80% overseas clients, including geospatial companies and academic institutions, demonstrating global confidence in India’s satellite AI capabilities.
What to watch next
TakeMe2Space intends to build a six-satellite constellation, deploying next-generation spacecraft with roughly 10 times the capacity of their current satellites. These advanced satellites will feature approximately 100 terabytes of storage and laser inter-satellite links for data exchange, enhancing network flexibility and ground station independence. The startup plans to launch MOI-1B later this year on an ISRO SSLV mission and two Gen-2 satellites in 2027, likely on Indian launch vehicles.
The company has secured slots for additional launches aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 missions in 2028 and aims to generate $6 million in annual recurring revenue from their in-orbit computing services by that year. Moreover, new Gen-3 satellites with approximately 25 kW power and 1,500 kg class mass are planned around 2029 to further scale capabilities. Meanwhile, SatLeo Labs and EON Space Labs continue expanding India’s imaging payload portfolio, supporting growing demand for satellite-based Earth observation insights.