New Delhi: Hyderabad-based New Space startup recently tested and qualified its MIRA space telescope for operations in Earth orbit, validating that the optical imaging instrument will perform as expected in the harsh environment of space. Sanjay Kumar from EON Space Labs told us, “MIRA is scheduled for its first heritage space flight in December 2025 on an upcoming satellite mission aboard an ISRO launch vehicle, marking the first time an Indian Earth-observation startup is flying a miniaturised, space-grade telescope that has been certified in India to NASA-equivalent thermo-vacuum standards.” The mission will demonstrate the technology, paving the way for a constellation planned for deployment in Low Earth Orbit.

Explaining the testing process, Kumar said, “Tested at an NABL-accredited

See Full Page