Indian space surveillance startup Digantara has successfully raised $50 million in a Series B funding round, pushing its total capital secured to $64.5 million. This significant investment will enable the Bengaluru-headquartered company to expand its focus beyond space situational awareness into advanced missile tracking and defense technologies, responding to a growing global demand from governments for sophisticated space-based defense capabilities.
Funding Details and Investor Confidence
The all-equity Series B round saw participation from new investors, including 360 ONE Asset, SBI Investments of Japan, and serial entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala. Existing backers Peak XV Partners and Kalaari Capital also rejoined the round. This latest funding comes over two years after Digantara's $10 million Series A1 round, underscoring investor confidence in its trajectory.
Addressing Global Demand for Space-Based Defense
Governments worldwide are increasingly investing in space-based surveillance and early-warning systems. This surge is driven by the rising frequency of missile launches and satellite interference, creating an urgent need for faster detection capabilities than traditional ground-based radar can offer. Digantara aims to capture this critical market by leveraging its proprietary space- and ground-based infrared sensors, coupled with advanced software analytics and intelligence.
Founded in 2020, Digantara initially concentrated on space situational awareness, meticulously tracking debris and objects that pose a threat to satellites. According to founder and CEO Anirudh Sharma, the startup has since broadened its scope to include missile detection and tracking, building upon the robust space- and ground-based sensing and analytics technologies it developed for its initial surveillance efforts.
Key Milestones and U.S. Expansion
Digantara marked a significant milestone in January with the launch of its first space surveillance satellite, SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. This satellite facilitates crucial space-to-space observation. A month later, the company established an office in Colorado Springs, strategically positioning itself within the U.S. defense market. This expansion has already led to contracts with U.S. Space Command for analytics-as-a-service and selection for the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD contract vehicle, which supports next-generation missile defense programs.
Sharma noted that the company is extending its infrared (IR) capabilities to other domains, including mid- and long-wave infrared, given its existing expertise in IR sensor development.
Global Operations and Strategic Structure
To meet diverse national security requirements, Digantara has strategically split its operations across different geographies. Its U.S. team is dedicated to developing larger satellites and spacecraft, specifically 100-kilogram class systems, tailored to American defense needs. Meanwhile, its Indian operations concentrate on analytics, data processing, and core space situational awareness. This dual structure reflects the regulatory complexities of defense procurement, where sensitive systems often require domestic design and construction for each market.
The startup has secured contracts valued at approximately $25 million to date, Sharma revealed. Currently operating in India, Singapore, and the U.S., Digantara plans further international expansion into Europe, with a local entity expected to be established as early as 2026.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Future Outlook
In India, Digantara boasts a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing facility capable of simultaneously producing up to five satellites. The company has ambitious plans to significantly scale this capacity, having signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh state government to establish a larger facility. This new site, aimed to be operational next year, could manufacture as many as 30 satellites at once.
Sharma also confirmed that Digantara has been selected as the winning bidder for several government defense tenders in India and is currently completing administrative formalities before commencing work.
Looking ahead to 2026–27, Digantara intends to substantially expand its space- and ground-based infrastructure. This includes deploying additional electro-optical and LiDAR satellites for enhanced space surveillance, space-based sensors for early missile warning and tracking, and a broader network of ground-based observatories. The company is also exploring the potential application of its LiDAR and laser technologies for future interceptor systems.
Aggressive Launch Schedule and Funding Allocation
Digantara has an aggressive launch schedule planned, with another satellite launch through SpaceX in March, followed by additional launches in June and October. The latter mission is slated to deploy multiple satellites. The company aims to deploy a total of 15 satellites over the next two years.
Sharma indicated that the latest funding round will directly support these upcoming launches. Approximately $7–10 million is earmarked for expansion within the United States, while roughly $2–3 million is allocated for establishing European operations. The remaining capital will be utilized to scale its India-based manufacturing and operational capabilities.
Financial Growth and Workforce
Over the past two years, Digantara has experienced remarkable revenue growth, increasing more than tenfold, though Sharma declined to disclose specific current figures. The company is targeting annual revenues of $25–30 million over the next 18 months, anticipating a significant ramp-up in defense and government contracts.
Currently, the startup employs around 125 people, with a strong emphasis on engineering talent, comprising approximately 80 to 85 engineers.
