Indian space technology start-up GalaxEye has announced the acquisition of StarOps – a Bengaluru-based spacecraft engineering company that traces its origins to TeamIndus, one of India’s pioneering private space ventures. 

The acquisition marks a significant milestone in GalaxEye’s “journey to becoming a fully integrated space technology company.” 

“The integration brings StarOps’ proprietary technologies, qualified satellite platforms and deep systems engineering expertise, along with an experienced engineering team, several of whom previously worked at TeamIndus on the lunar lander and rover,” the start-up entity said. 

Incorporated in 2022, StarOps was established to develop satellite platforms and indigenize critical spacecraft technologies in India. 

“Their end-to-end experience from mission design through End-of-Life further strengthens GalaxEye’s capabilities across the satellite value chain,” the space start-up which has been engaged in building next-generation Earth Observation capabilities through its proprietary OptoSAR technology, said in a press statement.

This acquisition brings years of experience of satellite design, development and qualification experience into GalaxEye, further strengthening its internal capabilities. The StarOps team brings proficiency across “spacecraft systems engineering, mission operations, propulsion, avionics, flight computing, guidance and navigation, structures and mechanisms, electrical systems, programme management and ground operations."

“The team is further supported by a panel of veteran ISRO experts with extensive experience in designing, qualifying and delivering complex space programme,” the statement added. 

Furthermore, the integration adds a strong portfolio of indigenous spacecraft technologies and engineering know-how to GalaxEye. These include qualified satellite bus platforms across the 50 kg, 150 kg and 250 kg classes, proprietary subsystem technologies, qualification heritage, testing infrastructure and engineering tools.

“With more than 66% indigenization across its satellite systems, StarOps has developed technologies that reduce dependence on global supply chains while enabling faster development cycles and lower mission costs,” GalaxEye said.

By bringing spacecraft platforms, critical satellite subsystems and Earth Observation payloads together, “GalaxEye is well positioned to deliver tightly integrated, reliable and scalable space solutions for defence, national security and commercial applications,” the statement added.