India's first private space debris removal facility 'Base 1' launched in Hyderabad

Hyderabad has further strengthened its position in the field of space technology. A new facility named 'Base 1' has been launched by CosmoServe Space to develop technology for the removal of space debris and satellite servicing. The facility was inaugurated on Thursday in the presence of Telangana's IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, and the founder and CEO of CosmoServe Space, Chiranjeevi Phanindra.

According to an NDTV report, Base 1 is the first private facility of its kind in India and the sixth satellite servicing infrastructure in the world. This centre brings together all the necessary infrastructural facilities for the design, construction, and testing of satellite servicing systems under one roof. The facility comprises four main units: the Orbital Rendezvous and Capture Lab, Space Robotics Innovation Lab, Satellite Integration Clean Room, and Mission Simulation and Control Centre.

The primary objective of this facility is to assist in the repair and refuelling of satellites, as well as the removal of inactive satellites remaining in orbit. Currently, the problem of space debris has become a major concern, as thousands of inactive satellites and millions of small fragments continue to orbit the Earth. These objects pose a risk to operational satellites and future space missions.

CosmoServe Space is developing a system where two spacecraft can be used to service multiple satellites simultaneously. According to the company, this approach could significantly reduce servicing costs. CEO Chiranjeevi Phanindra stated, "Debris is becoming a limiting factor for the space ambitions of every nation, including India. Base 1 is a centre for developing capabilities to keep the orbit usable for Gaganyaan, the Indian Space Station, and every subsequent satellite." He further added that this facility would help the company develop its missions under one roof.

Telangana Minister D. Sridhar Babu remarked on the occasion, "Facilities like CosmoServe's Base 1 demonstrate why Hyderabad is leading the country in space innovation." He further informed that the Telangana government is planning to create a dedicated 'Space City' in the upcoming 'Bharat Future City' to provide the necessary support to the rapidly growing space technology sector.

Regarding financial details, CosmoServe Space has raised 6 million US dollars in seed funding, bringing the company's total funding to over 9 million US dollars.