Indian space tech startup launches satellite aboard SpaceX rocket

Digantara, a Bengaluru-based space tech startup on Tuesday launched its second satellite Pushan-Alpha as a rideshare onboard SpaceX's Transporter-6 mission for internal space data calibration purposes.

The satellite, named after the Hindu solar deity, will serve as a space weather testbed in the sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) for enhancing precision-driven situational space awareness applications.

It observations will complement Digantara's first satellite, ROBI (ROBust Integrating proton fluence meter) mission, the world's first commercial space-based space weather monitoring system onboard ISRO launched on June 30 last year.

The startup has said the mission has a threefold objective, first is to measure radiation in SSO; to assess particle radiation from the South Atlantic Anomaly, which is a weak spot in Earth's magnetic field, and which protects the planet from high doses of solar wind and cosmic radiation; and also to study the space for enhancing space debris modelling.

This is the latest in the line of satellite launches that have taken place in the Indian space tech ecosystem. In 2022, Pixxel launched its Anand satellite from another SpaceX rocket, and Dhruva Space launched its Thybolt satellites from an ISRO launch vehicle.

The Bengaluru-based space tech startup now says it is building its own SSA (Space Situational Awareness) capability with infrastructure both in the ground and space with an aim to ensure sustainable space operations.

Digantara is looking at pre-expansion Series A round over the coming months, the company's CEO said in an interview, after the satellite launch.