Astroscale Partners with Indian Spacetech Startups Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace for Orbital Collaboration

Japanese on-orbit service provider Astroscale has announced a strategic partnership with Indian spacetech startups Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace to collaborate on orbital technology and services. This marks Astroscale’s first operational venture in the Asia-Pacific region outside Japan.

According to Eddie Kato, President and Managing Director of Astroscale Japan, the collaboration is expected to lead to an orbital services bid for Indian clients within the next few years. Speaking to Reuters, Kato highlighted India’s established space capabilities as a key factor in Astroscale’s decision to expand its operations into the country.

Astroscale, founded in 2013, specializes in a range of on-orbit services, including life extension, space situational awareness, end-of-life solutions and active debris removal. The company sees significant potential in India’s growing space sector, which aligns with its mission to address the increasing demand for orbital services.

Digantara, founded in 2018 by Anirudh Sharma, Rahul Rawat and Tanveer Ahmed, focuses on space debris detection and aims to deploy a constellation of satellites capable of tracking objects as small as 1 cm. The startup recently revealed plans to invest $10 million to $15 million over the next six to eight months to establish a spacecraft manufacturing and space optics production center in Colorado, USA. This expansion is supported by nearly $1 million in operational incentives from the State of Colorado and includes contracts with the US Department of Defense, such as those with the Air Force and Space Force.

Bellatrix Aerospace, the other Indian partner in the collaboration, is known for its innovative propulsion systems and space technology solutions. Together, the three companies aim to leverage their expertise to advance orbital services and address critical challenges in space sustainability.

Inc42 has reached out to Digantara and Bellatrix Aerospace for further comments on the partnership. Updates will be provided as responses are received.

This partnership underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in the space industry, particularly in addressing issues like space debris and the need for sustainable orbital solutions. With India’s rapidly advancing space capabilities, the collaboration is poised to make a significant impact in the region and beyond.