Peak XV-Backed Digantara Inaugurates 25,000-sq ft Satellite Assembly Facility In Bengaluru

Spacetech startup Digantara has unveiled its global headquarters, featuring both a command and control centre and a cleanroom.

The facility, covering 25,000 square feet in Bengaluru’s Hebbal, functions as a satellite assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) centre. 

The startup is presently strategising the launch of a constellation of space-based space surveillance satellites to resolve data insufficiencies from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives, ET reported.

In February, Digantara marked the final close of its Series A1 funding round at $12 Mn (around INR 99 Cr).

“Our new facilities not only enhance our ability to innovate in building cutting edge sensors but also position us as a platform provider for easing space operations,” cofounder and CEO Anirudh Sharma told ET.

The Peak XV Partners-backed startup employs a total of 45 staffers currently.

The command and control centre will play a crucial role in monitoring and managing space traffic, ensuring the safety and sustainability of satellite operations globally for Digantara’s clients.

As per ET, the startup currently has two clients outside of India. This is in addition to defence-related government agencies in India which are its clients.

The startup plans to release 40 satellites, aided by a Space-Mission Assurance Platform (Space-MAP) that utilises a multi-modal data pool to provide clients with datasets and orbital insights.

Digantara also operates STARS (Space Threat Assessment and Response Suite), a proprietary military and defence suite aimed at strengthening national sovereign space capabilities.

Founded in 2018 by Sharma, Rahul Rawat, and Tanveer Ahmed, Digantara had previously secured $2.5 Mn in seed capital from Kalaari Capital in July 2021.

It is pertinent to note that in June 2022, Digantara, along with Dhruva Space, received the approval from the Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to launch its payloads in space. 

Over the past decade, India has experienced an unprecedented boom in spacetech startups, bringing forth fresh perspectives, technological innovation, and a competitive edge. These startups are charting the next frontier with support and collaboration from both the government and the private sector.

Notable players in the Indian spacetech scene include Agnikul, Digantara, Bellatrix, Pixxel, Skyroot, among others.

As per Inc42’s Indian Spacetech Startup Landscape & Market Opportunity Report 2023, over 150 startups have collectively raised more than $285 Mn. Moreover, the sector is estimated to reach a market size of $77 Bn by 2030.