Lightweight telescope MIRA clears NASA-grade tests, set for December satellite mission

Hyderabad-based EON Space Labs has developed MIRA, India’s first indigenous electro-optical space telescope, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Low Earth Orbit missions. The miniaturised telescope is scheduled for a heritage flight in December 2025.

Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup has successfully developed and tested MIRA, India’s first indigenous space telescope that can tackle the harsh environment of space during Low Earth orbit (LEO) missions, including defence. With this successful testing, the MIRA is scheduled for a heritage space flight onboard an upcoming satellite orbit mission in December 2025.

Developed by EON Space Labs, a startup specialising in multi-domain earth observation, the MIRA, an electro-optical space telescope, recently successfully completed thermo-vacuum (TVAC) testing. It has been developed as an electro-optical payload onboard satellites, which can be utilised for dual-use strategic defence and commercial space missions.

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According to the startup, the miniaturised space telescope has met stringent NASA standards for space-readiness, tested for temperature stability, vacuum tolerance, and in-orbit operational reliability. The testing was conducted at an NABL-accredited facility in Ahmedabad at vacuum levels below 10⁻⁵ torr and extreme temperature swings between −20 °C and 60 °C.

EON Space Labs co-founder Sanjay Kumar said, “This is a defining moment for us. Space-grade certification proves that ultra-complex, high-precision imaging platforms can now be built and certified entirely from within India”.

MIRA was also integrated with the onboard high-performance computer of its satellite partners, successfully demonstrating autonomous imaging and telemetry under simulated orbital conditions.

Designed to deliver the highest-resolution imagery while weighing barely 502 grams, MIRA is at least 3 to 4 times lighter than conventional space telescopes. Payload delivery costs, which can be as high as USD 10,000 to 20,000 per kilogram, can be slashed without the need for compromising on image resolution.

EON Space Labs co-founder Punit Badeka said MIRA enables the highest-quality imagery at a fraction of traditional size and weight limitations. “We are not only focused on India’s self-reliance in earth observation but aim to tap the global market with MIRA,” Badeka said.

While MIRA heads toward orbit, the startup is also focusing on the parallel development of its LUMIRA EO/IR aerial imaging and reconnaissance platforms, designed as a dual-use payload for drones, UAVs, eVTOL and fixed-wing aircraft.