AHMEDABAD, INDIA — May 3, 2026 : Ahmedabad-based space technology startup SatLeo Labs is developing a 15-satellite thermal observation constellation designed to detect missile launches in near real time using infrared sensing. The system, planned for deployment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), is aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous early warning and space-based surveillance capabilities.
Founded in 2023 by Shravan Bhati, Ranendu Ghosh, and Urmil Bakhai, the company is working at the intersection of commercial space infrastructure and defense-focused intelligence systems. The initiative is supported by Indian Space Research Organisation and IN-SPACe, and has secured between $2.2 million and $3.3 million in seed and pre-seed funding to accelerate hardware development, payload validation, and launch readiness.
Thermal Sensing Architecture for Missile Detection
The SatLeo constellation is engineered to identify high-temperature events such as missile launch plumes exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius at ignition. These extreme heat signatures create strong radiative contrast against surrounding terrain, enabling rapid detection.
Each satellite is equipped with a multi-sensor payload combining Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensors, along with a visible-band imaging system. This dual-band thermal configuration enables continuous monitoring under both day and night conditions while improving detection reliability through multi-source data correlation.
The system is designed to deliver near real-time geolocation of launch events across its coverage area. Its sensors are capable of detecting temperature variations with an accuracy of approximately one degree Kelvin and generating high-resolution thermal imagery at around 5-metre spatial resolution.
Expanded Strategic Intelligence Capabilities
Beyond missile detection, the constellation is structured to support broader military intelligence functions. The thermal payload can monitor nuclear reactor heat output, allowing analysts to assess operational activity and status remotely without direct access.
In battlefield environments, the system can classify and track ground combat vehicles by analyzing distinct thermal signatures associated with engines, materials, and operational states. This capability remains effective under camouflage and in low-visibility or nighttime conditions, supported by existing thermal signature datasets.
Space Edge Computing and AI Integration
To reduce latency typically associated with satellite data transmission, SatLeo Labs is integrating space-based edge computing into its microsatellites. Onboard processing systems use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to analyze brightness temperature data directly in orbit.
Instead of transmitting large volumes of raw imagery to ground stations, the satellites filter and process thermal data, apply pattern recognition models, and transmit only actionable intelligence outputs. This architecture is designed to enable faster response times and more efficient bandwidth usage.
Development Status and Deployment Plan
The company is currently in the engineering and payload validation phase and has developed its proprietary TAPAS-1 thermal imaging payload. The satellites and sensor systems are being built entirely in India using a modular design and open architecture approach, allowing for scalability and future upgrades.
SatLeo Labs plans to launch its first microsatellites by the end of 2026, with the full 15-satellite constellation expected to provide persistent and continuous global thermal monitoring. The deployment is intended to utilize launch services from Indian Space Research Organisation.
According to CEO Shravan Bhati, recent global conflicts have underscored the operational importance of space-based infrared sensing for early missile detection, reinforcing the relevance of such systems in modern defense infrastructure.
Dual-Use Civil and Environmental Applications
In addition to defense applications, the thermal observation network is designed to support civilian and environmental use cases. These include urban heat island monitoring, climate research, renewable energy optimization, agricultural analysis, and drought forecasting.
The system can also provide early warning for natural hazards such as forest fires and volcanic activity by detecting abnormal thermal patterns over time. Its ability to perform temporal analysis supports anomaly detection across both natural and man-made environments.
Positioning in India’s Commercial Space Sector
The SatLeo Labs project represents a commercial effort within India to develop specialized Earth observation capabilities focused on the thermal infrared spectrum. By combining indigenous satellite manufacturing, AI-driven analytics, and scalable system design, the company aims to deliver persistent monitoring solutions for both strategic and civilian requirements.
The constellation is structured to enable continuous coverage and data-driven analysis, contributing to India’s evolving ecosystem of private space technology providers aligned with national space and defense objectives.
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