XDLINX Space Labs, a leading Indian space technology company, is making significant strides in the global space industry with its innovative satellite platforms. The Hyderabad-based firm focuses on providing spacecraft platforms and payload technology for commercial and defence intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) space missions. Recently, the company raised $7 million in seed funding to accelerate the production of next-generation payloads, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of space technology.
The funding round was spearheaded by Ashish Kacholia of Lucky Investments, with additional support from E2MC, Mana Ventures, and a prominent family office. This financial boost will help XDLINX enhance its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in developing advanced payload technologies that cater to both commercial and defence sectors.
Founded in 2022, XDLINX Space Labs aims to redefine space missions and democratise access to satellite technology. The company’s first major achievement was the successful launch of JANUS-1, a software-defined 6U nanosatellite designed to showcase multi-tenancy payload capabilities. This milestone was reached in just ten months, with the satellite launched aboard ISRO’s SSLV-D2 rocket on February 10, 2023. The rapid development and launch of JANUS-1 significantly reduced both the time and cost typically associated with traditional satellite missions.
Rupesh Gandupalli, CEO and Co-Founder of XDLINX, expressed his enthusiasm for the recent funding, stating, “We are thrilled to accelerate the manufacturing of next-generation payloads for defence and commercial missions, such as E-band communications and optical and RF intelligence. Our goal is to make space more accessible by building cost-effective satellites that utilise 75% indigenous subsystems. We are committed to enhancing India’s role in the global space race.”
Looking ahead, XDLINX Space Labs is gearing up for its next major project, Elevation-1, which is set to feature the world’s first miniaturised space-grade E-band payload. Scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, Elevation-1 aims to demonstrate E-band communications with digital modulation and aims to achieve data rates exceeding 10 Gbps. This project represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of commercial space missions.
In addition to Elevation-1, XDLINX is working on developing a 150kg class satellite equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and multi-spectral optical sensors, to be launched in Q3 2025 using the XDSAT-M600 platform. The company is also in final discussions with clients regarding the construction and launch of a sub-meter multi-spectral imagery satellite constellation and has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with leading global space companies. These partnerships lay a solid foundation for continued collaboration and innovation in satellite technology.
With its ambitious projects and innovative approaches, XDLINX Space Labs is poised to make a lasting impact on the space industry, empowering nations to establish their own space capabilities and heritage.
