Digantara, a spacetech startup focusing on space situational awareness, opened its global headquarters, which includes a command and control center and a cleanroom.
The new facility, located in Hebbal, Bengaluru, covers 25,000 square feet and serves as a satellite assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) facility. The spacetech startup, based in Bengaluru, is currently planning to launch a constellation of space-based surveillance satellites.
These satellites aim to address data deficiencies from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives.
“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.
According to Digantara’s CEO Anirudh Sharma, the startup, backed by Peak XV Partners, currently employs 45 staff members.
The inauguration event, held in the late evening, was attended by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath and space situational awareness experts from 10 countries.
The command and control center will play a crucial role in monitoring and managing space traffic, guaranteeing the safety and sustainability of satellite operations worldwide for Digantara’s clients.
According to Sharma, the startup has already secured two clients outside of India and contracts with defense-related government agencies within India.
The company plans to deploy a total of 40 satellites, aided by a Space-Mission Assurance Platform (Space-MAP). This platform utilizes a diverse data pool to offer clients datasets and orbital insights.
Digantara also operates STARS (Space Threat Assessment and Response Suite), a proprietary suite aimed at bolstering national sovereign space capabilities, particularly in military and defense sectors.
In February, the startup secured $2 million in funding 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.
This capital infusion marked the conclusion of the startup’s Series A funding round, totaling $12 million. In June 2023, Digantara raised $10 million, led by Peak XV Partners.
Founded by Sharma, Rahul Rawat, and Tanveer Ahmed in 2018, Digantara had previously received seed funding worth $2.5 million from Kalaari Capital in July 2021.
