Akula Tech launches AI-powered Nexus-01 satellite with real-time data

Melbourne-based firm Akula Tech has successfully launched what it describes as Australia's most advanced artificial intelligence-powered smart satellite, Nexus-01, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California.

The mission marks a milestone in the country's satellite technology, with the Nexus-01 introducing on-orbit AI processing designed to deliver real-time insights from hyperspectral data. The launch was executed under the Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads (LEAP) programme operated by Dhruva Space, with a payload partnership that included Esper Satellites' OTR-2 hyperspectral imager.

Onboard processing

Nexus-01 is structured as a demonstration of new-generation onboard AI computing. It features a module capable of processing hyperspectral data from the most basic (Level 0) up to advanced analytics (Level 3) while executing multiple artificial intelligence models concurrently. The purpose of this system is to generate diverse, actionable insights for a range of sectors, including defence, emergency response, climate monitoring, mining, shipping, and agriculture, all from orbit and in near-real time.

The satellite's key distinction is its ability to deliver analysis onboard rather than relaying large datasets to ground stations for later processing. According to Akula Tech, this means results can be provided in minutes rather than days after initial data acquisition.

This is more than a satellite, it's a vision becoming reality," says Preetham Akula, CEO, Akula Tech. "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. Partnering with Dhruva Space and Esper Satellites for this mission allows us to validate this technology in the real world.

In addition to launching its own systems, Akula Tech's work is integrated with Esper's hyperspectral imaging equipment, creating what the company describes as an end-to-end intelligence loop that supports faster decision-making and supports time-sensitive operations.

Adaptability and autonomy

Shreyas Urunkar, Chief Technology Officer at Akula Tech, said the mission shows the technology's adaptability and rapid response features. "Nexus-01 is about demonstrating the power of adaptability and speed in space. Our system can retrain models in orbit, adjust to new data, and operate in parallel across multiple use cases, whether it's mapping floods or tracking wildfires. This level of onboard intelligence represents a real shift in how we utilise satellite capabilities."

The system's ability to adapt models in space and operate across multiple use cases is also highlighted as a significant evolution in satellite operations, making it possible to respond to dynamic events on Earth more efficiently.

Nishq Ravindranath, Chief AI Officer at Akula Tech, outlined the AI and machine learning elements onboard: "Nexus-01 mission represents a breakthrough in space-based artificial intelligence. Our space-ready AI model optimisation technology allows us to optimise and compress any geospatial AI/ML models to run efficiently on the edge in space, supporting applications like fire detection, anomaly detection, and spectral analysis that provide near real-time insights to government and defence personnel."

"Furthermore, these models will improve themselves over time by continuously retraining live sensor data. This launch will give flight heritage to five of our distinct software products while enabling the uplink of newer AI/ML models directly to the satellite throughout the mission lifetime. Most importantly, it establishes 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 to sense and detect critical features of interest."

International collaboration

The mission is described by Akula Tech as a product of strategic collaboration between Australia and India, with additional support from the US launch provider. Dhruva Space, based in Hyderabad, provided the platform for the launch through its LEAP hosted payload programme, while Esper Satellites contributed its hyperspectral imaging expertise from Melbourne.

By proving the viability of onboard artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis, Akula Tech intends Nexus-01 as a first step toward a constellation of AI-enabled satellites for persistent, responsive Earth observation across industries and government agencies. The company is publicly inviting students, researchers, industry professionals, and investors to contribute to developing future missions.