Telugu Scientist Chiranjeevi Phanindra Launches Cosmoserve Space to Tackle Space Debris

Space debris is becoming a growing threat to satellites and essential services that depend on them, including GPS navigation, video calls, banking transactions, weather forecasting and live sports broadcasts. Addressing this challenge, Telugu aerospace scientist Dr. Chiranjeevi Phanindra has launched an international startup, Cosmoserve Space, focused on removing defunct satellites and other debris from Earth's orbit. According to the information provided, nearly 27,000 payloads have been launched into orbit over the years. While around 16,000 satellites remain operational, approximately 50,000 defunct satellites and 140 million smaller debris fragments are estimated to be in orbit. Even tiny fragments can travel at extremely high speeds and damage functioning spacecraft during collisions. Phanindra believes that removing such debris is essential to keeping space safe and ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of satellite-based services.

Hailing from Chataparru near Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, Phanindra studied mechanical engineering in Bhimavaram, completed his MTech in aerospace engineering at IIT Kanpur and earned a PhD in thermal engineering from IIT Madras. He spent 14 years at ISRO, contributing to projects including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, the Vikram lander and Gaganyaan, where he served as Deputy Project Director. Drawing on his experience with human spaceflight safety and space-debris management, he founded Cosmoserve Space last year and reportedly secured ₹28 crore in investment at the idea stage. The startup has developed a soft robotic capture technology inspired by insect-trapping plants, designed to capture debris gently and guide it towards safe disposal in Earth's atmosphere. Its work has attracted international attention, including recognition at aerospace and startup events. Phanindra is also exploring ways to reduce debris-removal costs and potentially establish future refuelling facilities for satellites running low on fuel.