The new facility, spanning 25,000 square feet in Hebbal, Bengaluru, serves as a satellite assembly, integration and testing (AIT) facility. The Bengaluru-based startup is currently planning to launch a constellation of space-based space surveillance satellites.
These satellites are aimed at addressing data inadequacies from both qualitative and quantitative standpoint.
“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,” Sharma added.
The Peak XV Partners-backed startup employs a total of 45 staffers currently, cofounder and CEO Anirudh Sharma told ET.
The inauguration late evening saw the presence of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath and space situational awareness experts from 10 countries.
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The command and control centre will be instrumental in monitoring and managing space traffic, ensuring the safety and sustainability of satellite operations across the globe for Digantara’s clients.Currently, the startup has signed up two clients outside of India, and defense-related government agencies in India, Sharma told ET.
The company is set to release a total of 40 satellites, which is helped by a Space-Mission Assurance Platform (Space-MAP) that uses a multi-modal data pool to provide clients with datasets and orbital insights.
Digantara has also operates STARS (Space Threat Assessment and Response Suite), a proprietary military and defence suite designed to strengthen national sovereign space capabilities.
In February, the startup raised $2 million from Aditya Birla Ventures and Sidbi Venture Capital, the venture capital arms of Aditya Birla Group and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), respectively.
The capital infusion had marked the final close of the startup’s Series A stage of funding at $12 million. In June 2023, Digantara had raised $10 million led by Peak XV Partners.
Digantara was founded by Sharma, Rahul Rawat and Tanveer Ahmed in 2018. It had previously raised seed capital worth $2.5 million from Kalaari Capital in July 2021.