Digantara is an innovative space technology company headquartered in Bengaluru, India. Founded in 2018 by Anirudh Sharma, Rahul Rawat, and Tanveer Ahmed, it pioneers the emerging field of space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management. Digantara is noteworthy for developing cutting-edge technologies designed to provide comprehensive tracking and monitoring of orbital objects including debris as small as five centimeters. This capability is critical as the number of satellites and debris in Earth's orbit increases, raising collision risks. Digantara’s journey encompasses launching the world’s first commercial space surveillance satellite and expanding into global markets, making it a vital player in the sustainable use of space.
Digantara was founded in 2018 with a vision to create an end-to-end infrastructure supporting space operations and traffic management. The founders—Anirudh Sharma, Rahul Rawat, and Tanveer Ahmed—envisioned building a platform that addresses challenges such as space debris tracking, collision avoidance, and mission assurance. This vision has positioned Digantara as a pioneer in India's space tech ecosystem, with a commitment to safeguarding Earth's orbital environment for future generations.
A key innovation by Digantara is the Space Mission Assurance Platform (Space-MAP). This comprehensive platform integrates multi-modal data sets to provide real-time situational awareness of space assets. It acts as a one-stop solution for space operations offering mission planning and orbit determination tools. Space-MAP combines satellite data, optical tracking, and other sensor inputs to minimize risks and improve the safety and efficiency of space missions.
One of Digantara's landmark achievements is the launch of SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) in January 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rocket. SCOT is the world’s first commercial satellite capable of tracking orbital objects as small as five centimeters, providing unprecedented resolution in space debris monitoring. This satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, offering extensive coverage and detailed data essential for collision avoidance and space traffic control.
Digantara has forged strategic partnerships and collaborations both in India and abroad. The company has signed multiple international memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and has a strong network of local and international partners. These alliances support Digantara's technology development, manufacturing, and market expansion, including efforts to build spacecraft manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
In 2025, Digantara announced plans to invest $10-15 million to establish a spacecraft manufacturing and space optics production center in Colorado, USA. This expansion aims to tap into the lucrative $60 billion space surveillance market and secure contracts with US defense agencies. The state of Colorado has pledged operational incentives to accelerate this growth, highlighting Digantara’s potential to become a critical player in global space surveillance.
Digantara has garnered substantial investor interest with $16.5 million raised across multiple funding rounds. Notable investors include Kalaari Capital, SIDBI Venture Capital, and Peak XV Partners. Reliance Industries is also reported to be in advanced talks to lead a $50 million funding round, underscoring the strategic importance and confidence in Digantara’s market potential and technological capabilities.
With the exponential rise in satellite launches and orbital debris, space traffic management has become a global priority. Digantara addresses this challenge by providing real-time monitoring services that support collision avoidance and minimize space debris risks. Its technology enhances situational awareness for government and commercial operators, enabling safer, more sustainable use of Earth's orbit.
Digantara's technology can detect and track orbital objects as small as 5 centimeters, a significant improvement over many legacy systems. This precision is vital because even tiny debris can critically damage spacecraft. Digantara continuously develops nanosatellite subsystems and space debris mapping services, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space surveillance.
Since its inception, Digantara has gained recognition as a leading startup in the Indian space tech ecosystem. It has been selected for notable forums such as the International Astronautical Congress and has received mentorship and support from entities like the Indian Academy of Sciences and MSME-IISc (Government of India). Digantara's innovative approach is influencing global standards in space situational awareness.
Looking ahead, Digantara aims to deploy a constellation of satellites to provide continuous monitoring of the entire lower Earth orbit. By 2030, the company plans to cover over $1 trillion worth of space assets with its platform, making it indispensable for mission planning and orbit management. This vision aligns with global efforts to foster sustainable space utilization amid rising space traffic and geopolitical tensions.
Digantara stands at the forefront of space traffic management and surveillance technology, combining innovative satellite platforms with robust data integration to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: space debris and orbital safety. From pioneering the first commercial space surveillance satellite to its expansive global ambitions, Digantara exemplifies the dynamic potential of India's space tech industry. As humanity’s reliance on space assets grows, companies like Digantara are crucial in ensuring a safe and sustainable space environment. The question remains: how will such technologies shape the future of orbital governance and international cooperation in space?