Skip to content
Free updates Login
SSCRailwayUPSC & State PSC

AyulSat: India’s On-Orbit Refuelling Demonstration Mission

12 January 20261 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYAyulSat: India’sOn-Orbit RefuellingDemonstrationMission12 January 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A launch on PSLV-C62 took India closer to becoming only the second nation to show satellite refuelling in orbit. The mission was led by space start-up OrbitAid, working with ISRO.

Key facts

  • Satellite: AyulSat, a technology demonstration mission.
  • Rocket: PSLV-C62, launched with ISRO.
  • Developer: OrbitAid Aerospace, an Indian start-up.
  • Mass: around 25 kg.
  • Launch: January 2026.

Mission objective

The aim is to prove technologies vital for servicing satellites in orbit:

  • Fuel transfer mechanisms in micro-gravity
  • Refuelling interfaces on satellites
  • Managing propellant in space

Significance

  • Acts as a precursor for later in-orbit refuelling and satellite life-extension systems.

Exam angle

  • Mission type: technology demonstration.
  • Country tag: could be the second nation to demonstrate on-orbit refuelling.
  • Related terms: on-orbit servicing, PSLV, OrbitAid.

Test yourself

1. Which launch vehicle carried AyulSat into space?

AyulSat flew aboard PSLV-C62.

2. AyulSat is developed by which Indian space start-up?

OrbitAid Aerospace is the developer.

3. What does the AyulSat mission aim to demonstrate?

It tests fuel transfer, refuelling interfaces and propellant management.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 11 & 12 January 2026 (23 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizJanuary 2026

Read more