Indian space-tech startup Digantara has entered a landmark agreement with Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to enhance space safety. This pioneering collaboration will focus on developing advanced tools to protect Singapore's national satellites from the growing threat of space debris. The partnership, a first for Singapore's defense arm with an Indian space company, underscores the increasing global demand for robust Space Situational Awareness (SSA) solutions.
A Landmark Partnership for Space Safety
Announced during the Space Summit 2026, the strategic agreement tasks Digantara and DSTA with co-developing advanced tools in Space Situational Awareness. These solutions are designed to support Singapore's National Space Agency by enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of satellite tracking. This joint effort aims to provide a more comprehensive view of Singapore's assets, ensuring their safety and long-term operability in an increasingly congested orbit.
Empowering Sovereign Space Capabilities
A cornerstone of this collaboration is the provision of sovereign control to Singapore over the developed technologies. Digantara CEO Anirudh Sharma emphasized that this allows the Singaporean government to locally deploy and operate the solutions for its unique needs. Such autonomy is crucial for achieving independent space domain awareness and managing national satellite operations without reliance on external parties.
Delivering Proactive Collision Avoidance
Under the agreement, Digantara will provide critical services such as flight dynamics analysis and access to conjunction screening for collision avoidance. These tools will issue timely alerts when a satellite approaches orbiting debris, enabling operators to perform preventative maneuvers. This proactive approach is fundamental to conducting sustainable space operations and mitigating the constant risk of in-orbit collisions.
Integrating AI and Advanced Sensors
The partnership also involves integrating Digantara's space- and ground-based sensor data with sophisticated AI-driven analytics. This technological fusion will significantly enhance the system's ability to process complex data and generate actionable insights for space traffic management. Furthermore, Singapore is exploring participation in Digantara's upcoming missions, including the assembly, integration, and testing of new space-based sensors.
A Strategic Gateway to the Asia-Pacific
For the Bengaluru-based startup, this deal is a significant strategic victory that serves as a crucial gateway for its expansion into the broader Asia-Pacific market. The collaboration with a respected government agency like DSTA provides a strong foothold and enhances the company's credibility across the region. Anirudh Sharma noted that this opens doors to other key Asian markets, such as South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The partnership between Digantara and Singapore's DSTA marks a significant step forward in international cooperation for space safety. It directly addresses the urgent global challenge of managing orbital congestion and mitigating the risks posed by space debris. Such collaborative efforts are essential for building a secure and sustainable future for all activities in Earth's orbit.