EON Space Labs, a deep-tech startup based in Hyderabad, has announced that its flagship electro-optical space telescope, MIRA, has successfully passed rigorous thermo-vacuum (TVAC) testing. This achievement marks a significant step forward, positioning MIRA as India’s first indigenous space telescope, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. Developed as a versatile payload for both strategic defense and commercial space missions, MIRA is set to make a significant impact in the field of earth observation.
The MIRA telescope, a miniaturized, high-precision imaging system, has been built to meet the demanding requirements of space-grade certification. It adheres to NASA’s standards for space readiness, having undergone comprehensive testing for temperature stability, vacuum tolerance, and in-orbit operational performance. The tests were conducted at a NABL-accredited facility in Ahmedabad, where the telescope was exposed to extreme conditions, including vacuum levels as low as 10⁻⁵ torr and temperature variations between −20°C to +60°C.
Sanjay Kumar, Co-founder of EON Space Labs, stated, “This milestone is a game-changer for us. Achieving space-grade certification demonstrates that high-precision, complex imaging systems can now be fully developed and certified within India’s capabilities.”
The testing revealed that MIRA performed beyond expectations, showing minimal outgassing and no optical or structural drift. The telescope was also successfully integrated with the satellite’s onboard computer, demonstrating its ability to conduct autonomous imaging and telemetry in simulated orbital conditions. This development is a crucial step toward ensuring MIRA’s readiness for deployment on upcoming missions.
MIRA is slated for its first heritage space flight on an upcoming satellite mission, scheduled for launch in December 2025. Weighing in at just 502 grams, MIRA is 3 to 4 times lighter than traditional space telescopes. This significant reduction in size and weight means lower payload delivery costs, potentially saving between USD 10K to 20K per kilogram without sacrificing the telescope’s image resolution. This makes MIRA an ideal solution for cost-effective earth observation, setting a new benchmark for affordable, high-resolution imaging in space.
Punit Badeka, Co-founder of EON Space Labs, commented, “MIRA is revolutionizing the way we approach space-based imaging. We’re not just focusing on India’s self-reliance in earth observation, but also positioning MIRA to tap into the global market.”
“Our vertically integrated optical and AI-driven technology stack ensures that MIRA is perfectly suited to operate in the extreme conditions of space,” said Manoj Kumar Gaddam, Co-founder of EON Space Labs. The AI-enabled system further enhances the operational efficiency of the telescope, offering superior imagery for a wide range of defense, commercial, and scientific applications.
In parallel with the development of MIRA, EON Space Labs is also advancing its LUMIRA EO/IR aerial imaging and reconnaissance platforms. These platforms are designed to serve as dual-use payloads for a variety of aerial and ground-based platforms, including drones, UAVs, eVTOLs, and fixed-wing aircraft. This expansion of capabilities underscores the company’s commitment to developing multi-domain, dual-use technologies that bridge space, aerial, and ground-based applications.
EON Space Labs is a Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, building advanced Earth Observation (EO) imaging payloads for satellites, drones, and ground platforms. Established in 2022, the company develops compact, high-resolution electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems that are up to three times smaller and lighter than traditional payloads—reducing deployment costs while maintaining premium imaging performance.
EON’s product lineup includes the MIRA space telescope, currently under validation, and the LUMIRA EO/IR platform, which has achieved military-grade certification. With a fully vertically integrated workflow—from optical engineering to prototyping and in-house manufacturing—EON ensures rapid development, precision, and end-to-end control.
Backed by secured commercial orders, the company is building solutions for defence, disaster response, agriculture, and smart infrastructure. As it scales to meet rising global demand in the USD 11+ billion EO/IR market, EON is strengthening India’s strategic position in next-generation optical and imaging technologies.
