Indigenous MIRA Telescope Set for Space Launch with TakeMe2Space

A groundbreaking indigenous space telescope, known as MIRA, is poised for launch aboard an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) vehicle. This mission represents a significant milestone for India’s space capabilities as it aims to establish an Earth Observation Constellation.

Based in Hyderabad, the new space startup, EON Space Labs, has successfully tested and qualified the MIRA telescope for operations in Earth orbit. The development process included rigorous evaluations to ensure that the optical imaging instrument can withstand the extreme conditions of space. According to Sanjay Kumar from EON Space Labs, “MIRA is scheduled for its first heritage space flight in December 2025 on an upcoming satellite mission aboard an ISRO launch vehicle. This marks the first time an Indian Earth-observation startup is deploying a miniaturised, space-grade telescope certified to NASA-equivalent thermo-vacuum standards.”

Advancing India’s Earth Observation Capabilities

The MIRA telescope aims to demonstrate its technology and lay the foundation for a planned constellation of satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit. Kumar explained that the current version of MIRA, known as MIRA 50-FS, has a 50mm aperture and weighs only 502 grams. This electro-optical payload will be integrated with a 6U CubeSat, developed in collaboration with satellite partner TakeMe2Space.

Kumar emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “A startup-built, space-qualified telescope signals India’s shift towards high precision advanced optics, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This marks a transition from import dependence to indigenous capability in Earth Observation (EO) payloads.”

The MIRA project is a response to the growing demand in the satellite surveillance market. A recent report by EY highlighted that India’s surveillance market is currently valued at approximately USD 4.3 billion and is projected to exceed USD 15 billion by 2029. Moreover, the global Earth Observation and Infrared surveillance market is expected to grow from USD 11.09 billion in 2025 to USD 13.15 billion by 2032.

Strategic and Civilian Applications

The upcoming launch of MIRA is not only significant for its technological advancements but also for its potential applications. The technology behind MIRA is designed for both strategic and civilian uses, indicating a broad spectrum of potential benefits that could arise from its deployment.

The mission is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in the space sector, particularly in Earth observation technologies, which are critical for various applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. As the nation moves forward with this project, the focus remains on enhancing indigenous technologies and reducing dependency on imports.

With the launch slated for December 2025, anticipation grows for the impact that MIRA and its Earth Observation Constellation could have on the future of satellite imaging and surveillance, both in India and globally.