The satellite will fly as part of Indian firm Dhruva Space’s LEAP-1 mission, lifting off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch represents a significant milestone for Australia’s growing space industry and a leap forward in the development of intelligent satellite systems.
Nexus-01 has been designed to demonstrate the potential of next-generation on-orbit artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional satellites that downlink raw data for ground-based processing, Nexus-01 will perform real-time analysis in orbit. Its onboard computing module is capable of processing hyperspectral data and simultaneously running multiple AI models to generate actionable insights within minutes.
Applications range from defence and disaster response to climate monitoring, agriculture, mining and maritime operations.
Akula Tech has partnered with Dhruva Space through its Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads (LEAP) program, while also collaborating with Esper Satellites, whose OTR-2 hyperspectral imager will fly alongside Nexus-01. Together, the mission will provide a complete in-space data acquisition and processing framework.
Akula Tech chief executive Preetham Akula said the mission marks a turning point for the way satellites operate.
“This is more than a satellite, it’s a vision becoming reality,” he said. “Our team has built an AI engine that can run in orbit, analyse complex data like hyperspectral imagery, and deliver insights with minimal latency. This mission lays the foundation for Akula’s future software-defined smart satellites and next-generation space-based real-time intelligence infrastructure.”
The company’s technology will allow models to be retrained in orbit, adapting to new data and operating across multiple use cases. Chief technology officer Shreyas Urunkar said this adaptability is key to responding to dynamic challenges such as floods or wildfires.
Chief AI officer Nishq Ravindranath added that the mission would validate five of Akula Tech’s AI software products in orbit, while enabling continuous updates over the satellite’s lifetime.
“This launch will establish the foundation for an autonomous, coordinated constellation of software-defined smart satellites that work together as a swarm – essentially placing a geospatial intelligence analyst directly in space,” he said.
The mission highlights the growing role of Australia in the global space economy and strengthens ties with partners in India and the United States. For Akula Tech, it represents the first step towards building a constellation of AI-enabled satellites capable of delivering real-time intelligence to governments, industries and communities worldwide.