GalaxEye Acquires StarOps To Expand Satellite Engineering Capabilities

Spacetech company GalaxEye has recently acquired Bengaluru-based spacecraft engineering firm StarOps to bolster its satellite engineering prowess. The acquisition includes a range of indigenous spacecraft technologies, such as a qualified satellite bus platform across various weight classes, proprietary subsystem technologies, qualification heritage, testing infrastructure, and engineering tools.

StarOps has achieved over 66% indigenisation across its satellite systems, enabling reduced reliance on global supply chains, accelerated development cycles, and lower mission costs. GalaxEye CEO and co-founder Suyash Singh stated that the acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to develop and own the technologies shaping the future of space.

Founded in 2021 by Singh and other colleagues, GalaxEye focuses on developing vertically integrated, indigenous space technologies for defense, national security, and commercial applications. The company specializes in earth observation via its OptoSAR technology, which integrates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imaging to provide high-resolution imagery and geospatial intelligence.

GalaxEye's offerings cater to sectors like defence, agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management. The acquisition follows GalaxEye's recent launch of a satellite under 'Mission Drishti,' aiming to establish credibility in the earth observation segment. However, the satellite experienced an anomaly following an extreme space weather event, though the mission provided valuable engineering insights for future projects.

GalaxEye plans to launch two new OptoSAR satellites within the next 24 months while enhancing its in-house capabilities to strengthen quality, reliability, and execution. This comes amid a booming Indian space tech ecosystem, with Skyroot's Vikram-1 launch vehicle achieving orbit following its launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and Agnikul recently adding former ISRO chairman Dr. Somanath as an observer to its board as it prepares for its second space mission.