India is witnessing a rise in space technology expertise, highlighted by Bengaluru-based startup AkashaLabdhi. The company is gearing up to launch its ‘expandable space habitats’ by 2027 in collaboration with SpaceX.

Incubated at IIT Roorkee, AkashaLabdhi focuses on creating expandable space habitats designed for space tourists, astronauts, and researchers. The project, branded as a ‘home among the stars,’ aims to revolutionize space living with an emphasis on sustainability.

AkashaLabdhi's expertise includes cutting-edge signal processing, seamless automation, and robust power electronics, positioning it as a versatile engineering powerhouse capable of addressing modern engineering challenges.

The core of the project is Antariksh HAB, a prototype model of the expandable habitat featuring an expandable shell for exceptional protection against orbital debris and radiation. It also supports microgravity experiments, satellite maintenance, and orbital logistics storage, with potential for long-term lunar surface exploration.

CEO Siddarth Jena stated that the space habitat would take about seven days to fully inflate after reaching its destination. The company is currently in discussions with SpaceX to secure a launch slot.

AkashaLabdhi exemplifies innovation and determination in India's space ambitions, showcasing the country's technological capabilities and potential for global partnerships in space exploration. The Antariksh HAB, designed for multiple purposes including space tourism and armed forces operations, is intended to reach an orbit of 1,100 km. The company is working on building a sustainable ecosystem within the habitat to support recycled air, water, and waste.

AkashaLabdhi is optimistic about launching its first habitat by 2027 and is in talks with SpaceX, the US-based launch service provider and satellite communications company known for its collaboration with NASA on space missions since 2020.