OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited and ispace inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on technologies for in-space refueling and docking to support long-term lunar operations. The partnership focuses on integrating OrbitAID’s Standardized Interface for Docking and Refueling Payload (SIDRP) with ispace’s lunar landers to enable seamless refueling during lunar missions.
According to a press release issued by the companies, OrbitAID will supply its refueling propellant payloads for future lunar missions under this agreement. The collaboration aims to demonstrate critical capabilities for extending mission duration in the cislunar environment and for developing sustainable lunar infrastructure.
OrbitAID Aerospace Private Limited focuses on enabling refueling, recharging, and data transmission in orbit. The company previously completed a zero-gravity flight test of its SIDRP interface in December 2024, which validated its operational functionality in space-like conditions. The company plans to launch its first in-space refueling demonstration mission later this year aboard an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The mission will mark India’s first dedicated in-space refueling demonstration.
ispace inc. (TOKYO: 9348) is a lunar exploration company headquartered in Japan with operations in Luxembourg and the United States. The company designs and manufactures lunar landers and rovers and aims to provide transportation and related services for lunar missions. It employs more than 300 people globally.
The partnership between OrbitAID and ispace aligns with the ongoing cooperation between India and Japan in space exploration, including initiatives such as the upcoming Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission. Representatives from OrbitAID have also participated in bilateral forums including the India-Japan Space Dialogue and events such as Space Tide 2025 and the International Astronautical Congress held in September–October 2025.
“OrbitAID is excited to partner with ispace to investigate the next level of development for lunar exploration and the lunar economy. We envision that the SIDRP interface and refueling payloads can be a significant step toward building the infrastructure needed for sustainable space exploration,” said Sakthikumar R, Founder and CEO of OrbitAID.
“We are pleased to announce this agreement in which we will employ OrbitAID’s refueling payload and the SIDRP interface on our upcoming lunar missions. This partnership represents another step forward in our goal to provide cost-effective and reliable access to the lunar surface,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder and CEO of ispace.