Xovian is building satellites that listen for radio signals rather than take images

Xovian Aerospace, a satellite technology company founded in 2019 by Ankit Bhateja and Raghav Sharma, is based in Bengaluru and specializes in radio frequency nanosatellites. Unlike traditional imaging satellites that require daylight and clear skies to function, Xovian's satellites listen for radio signals emitted by vessels, aircraft, or their radars, providing insights regardless of weather or light conditions.

This unique approach allows for tracking vessels that have disabled their transponders, monitoring aircraft, and detecting patterns of radar activity. Xovian's technology is described as AI-native, meaning the signal interpretation occurs aboard the spacecraft, resulting in low-latency, high-fidelity output. The company's ambition is to develop a multi-frequency radio frequency sensor built in India, with the payload set to launch aboard an ISRO launch vehicle for validation and space trials by the end of 2025.

Xovian's investors include Ashish Kacholia, Piper Serica, Turbostart, Inflection Point Ventures, and Eaglewings Ventures, with a total funding of approximately $4.5 million across two rounds. The company aims to serve government, enterprise, and humanitarian users in various regions, including India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.