From autonomously docking satellites to processing Earth images in real-time, ISRO is using artificial intelligence to make space operations smarter, faster, and more independent. The SpaDex mission in 2024? It proved India can autonomously connect two satellites in space; a feat only three other nations have pulled off. POEM-4, the repurposed rocket stage? It became an ‘AI lab in space,’ running machine learning models to analyze satellite imagery without waiting for commands from Earth. And Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight mission? AI is already helping design trajectories and monitor spacecraft health. Even startups like SatSure and Pixxel are using AI to turn satellite data into actionable insights for farming, climate, and disasters. But here’s the catch: AI in space isn’t easy. Limited power, radiation risks, and the need for 100% reliability mean every line of code must be perfect. Still, if India cracks it, the payoff is huge; not just for space exploration, but for national security, economic growth, and global prestige. The future of Indian space tech isn’t just in orbit; it’s running on algorithms.