Launch · AI & Deep Tech

Cosmoserve's soft robotic capture system tested in orbit despite deployment glitch

By Startup Enthusiast · 20 July 2026

What they do

Cosmoserve is a Hyderabad-based spacetech startup developing soft robotic capture systems for removing space debris

Its first test, Mission Embrace, gathered valuable data despite robotic petals failing to deploy as intended

The test was significantly cheaper than building a full satellite, costing less than $100K instead of $3M to $5M

Cosmoserve, a Hyderabad-based spacetech startup, tested its soft robotic capture system in orbit as part of its Mission Embrace.
The system was launched aboard Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket but faced a deployment issue with its robotic petals.
Despite the glitch, the test gathered valuable data on how the system performs in space conditions.
The robotic petals, designed to open and capture debris, did not deploy as intended due to unusual settling in space.
Cosmoserve plans to refine the system based on the data and improve the software for future versions.
The test was much cheaper than building a full satellite, costing less than $100K instead of $3M to $5M.

Active debris removal is a growing focus in the global space industry due to the increasing number of defunct satellites and orbital debris.
Cosmoserve's soft robotic system aims to make debris removal more affordable and less risky for operational spacecraft.
The test flight was part of a broader effort by spacetech startups to demonstrate technologies aboard Vikram-1.

Cosmoserve develops soft robotic capture systems for removing space debris.
The technology uses flexible robotic petals to gently envelop and secure irregular or tumbling objects in orbit.
The system is designed to make debris removal more affordable and less damaging to captured objects.
The startup aims to support the development of future debris-removal spacecraft.
Founded in 2025 by former ISRO scientist Chiranjeevi Phanindra.

Cosmoserve plans to refine the system based on the data from Mission Embrace.
Future versions of the soft robotic petal software will be developed to address the deployment glitch.

Alan Rutledge (lead) — Angel investor through US-based investment firm AVCF.