Indian space-tech startup Digantara has successfully secured $50 million in a Series B funding round, signaling a major strategic expansion from space situational awareness into missile defense. The all-equity round attracted new investors 360 ONE Asset, SBI Investment of Japan, and entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala, with continued support from existing backers Peak XV Partners and Kalaari Capital. This infusion brings Digantara's total capital raised to $64.5 million, positioning it to meet rising global demand for space-based intelligence and defense capabilities.
A Strategic Pivot to Defense
Digantara is evolving its business model by leveraging its core technologies for the burgeoning space-based defense market. The company recognized that its expertise in tracking space debris with advanced infrared sensors is directly transferable to detecting and tracking missiles. This strategic shift addresses a growing global demand from governments for faster, space-based early-warning systems that can outperform traditional ground-based radar in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Fortifying Global Presence and Operations
To navigate complex international defense regulations, Digantara has strategically bifurcated its operations across key geographies. Its U.S. entity, based in Colorado Springs, is dedicated to developing larger, 100-kilogram class satellites tailored specifically for American defense requirements. This focus has already secured contracts with U.S. Space Command and a place on the Missile Defense Agency’s prestigious SHIELD contract vehicle, validating its approach to the American market.
Meanwhile, the company's headquarters in India remains the hub for analytics, data processing, and its foundational space situational awareness services. This structure allows Digantara to build sensitive systems domestically for each market while centralizing its data intelligence expertise. The company also plans to establish a European presence as early as 2026 to engage with programs like the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking initiative.
Scaling Manufacturing and Satellite Constellations
The new capital will be instrumental in a significant expansion of Digantara's manufacturing and space-based infrastructure. The company is scaling its Indian production capabilities, with plans for a new facility in Andhra Pradesh capable of building up to 30 satellites simultaneously. This ramp-up is essential to meet existing government tenders in India and support an ambitious launch schedule for its growing satellite constellation.
Over the next two years, Digantara aims to deploy a constellation of 15 new satellites, with several launches scheduled on SpaceX missions in the coming year. This will enhance its electro-optical and lidar capabilities for comprehensive space surveillance. Concurrently, its U.S. team will develop a prototype missile-tracking satellite, with a target launch in late 2027 to demonstrate its next-generation defense technology and solidify its market position.
This $50 million funding round marks a pivotal moment for Digantara, validating its technological prowess and strategic vision for the future of space intelligence. The investment empowers the company to transition from a niche space surveillance provider into a vertically integrated defense and intelligence prime. With expanding global operations and enhanced manufacturing capacity, Digantara is poised to become a significant player in shaping sovereign defense capabilities from space.