NITK opens recruitment for Stardour-backed satellite pose research

The National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, has advertised a Project Assistant position for satellite pose-estimation research sponsored by Stardour Aerospace Technologies Private Limited. Its notice, dated 22 October 2026, names the company as the funding agency for the seven-month project on vision-based pose estimation for chaser-target satellite operations.

The institute posted the advertisement on its announcements page on 23 October. The notice identifies Dr Mahima of its Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences as principal investigator and lists basic knowledge of Blender software and image processing as preferred skills.

The advertised appointment is temporary and runs for seven months. The notice specifies performance reviews every two months, with continuation of the position and funding for each subsequent phase dependent on satisfactory progress. Monthly remuneration is ₹10,000 plus ₹2,000 in housing allowance.

Stardour is a Hyderabad space company. Telangana Today reported in September 2025 that it was developing an orbital transfer vehicle called Lucas. The NITK notice does not identify a vehicle or mission for this study, disclose the total sponsorship value, or report a completed navigation system or flight demonstration.

The recruitment record documents research sponsored by Stardour, rather than capital raised by the company. Applications are due on 5 November 2026; the notice says shortlisted candidates will receive the test or interview date by email.