Startup Originals Team
Indian spacetech startup GalaxEye has acquired Bengaluru-based spacecraft engineering startup StarOps to strengthen its in-house capabilities across satellite design, development and operations.
The acquisition brings StarOps’ satellite platforms, proprietary technologies and engineering expertise into GalaxEye as the company works to develop Earth observation systems based on its OptoSAR technology.
The deal also adds an experienced engineering team to GalaxEye. Several StarOps engineers previously worked at TeamIndus, an early Indian private space venture, where they were involved in its Lunar Lander and Rover programme.
What Happened?
GalaxEye said the acquisition will strengthen its ability to develop and operate spacecraft across the satellite value chain, covering areas from mission design and spacecraft development to testing and end-of-life operations.
StarOps was incorporated in 2022 with a focus on developing satellite platforms and indigenising critical spacecraft technologies in India. Its engineering capabilities cover spacecraft systems, mission operations, propulsion, avionics, flight computing, guidance and navigation, structures and mechanisms, electrical systems, programme management and ground operations.
The transaction gives GalaxEye access to StarOps’ qualified satellite bus platforms in the 50 kg, 150 kg and 250 kg classes. It also adds proprietary subsystem technologies, testing infrastructure and engineering tools to GalaxEye’s technology portfolio.
StarOps has said that more than 66% of its satellite systems have been indigenised. This focus is aimed at reducing dependence on global supply chains while helping satellite developers shorten development cycles and reduce mission costs.
Key Details
The acquisition is strategically important for GalaxEye because it brings spacecraft platforms and critical satellite subsystems closer to its Earth observation payload development.
GalaxEye is developing OptoSAR, which combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imaging on a single platform. The company says the technology is designed to generate Earth imagery during both day and night and across different weather conditions.
By combining StarOps’ spacecraft engineering capabilities with its own Earth observation technology, GalaxEye aims to develop more integrated space systems for defence, national security and commercial applications.
The acquisition also gives GalaxEye greater control over several stages of the space mission lifecycle. Instead of relying extensively on external capabilities for spacecraft development, the company can bring more engineering and satellite technologies under one organisation.
GalaxEye co-founder and CEO Suyash Singh said the acquisition strengthens the company’s strategy of developing and owning more of the technologies used in its space systems.
“By welcoming this exceptional team and their technologies into GalaxEye, we are significantly strengthening our capabilities across satellite engineering,” Singh said.
Nirmal Suraj Gadde, co-founder and Missions Lead at StarOps, said the company had focused on building indigenous satellite systems and manufacturing capabilities for India’s commercial space industry.
Gadde added that his earlier experience at TeamIndus, where he worked on developing space missions and technology, would now contribute to GalaxEye’s plans for an OptoSAR satellite constellation.
Company Background
GalaxEye was founded in 2021 and is building Earth observation technology around OptoSAR. Its approach combines optical imaging with Synthetic Aperture Radar to provide imagery across different lighting and weather conditions.
The company is targeting applications across defence, national security and commercial markets, where access to reliable and frequent Earth observation data can support monitoring and decision-making.
StarOps, founded in 2022, has focused on satellite platforms and indigenous spacecraft technologies. Its capabilities span the spacecraft development process, including propulsion, avionics, flight computing, navigation, structures, electrical systems and ground operations.
The StarOps team also brings experience from TeamIndus, giving GalaxEye additional expertise in mission design and spacecraft development.
Industry Impact
The acquisition highlights the growing focus among Indian spacetech companies on vertical integration and indigenous spacecraft capabilities.
Owning more of the satellite development stack can potentially help companies reduce dependence on external suppliers, improve coordination between payload and spacecraft teams and accelerate mission development.
For GalaxEye, access to multiple satellite bus platforms could also provide greater flexibility as it develops different missions and works towards deploying its OptoSAR technology at scale.
The deal also reflects the broader push to develop critical spacecraft technologies within India. Higher levels of indigenisation can help reduce exposure to global supply-chain disruptions and support the development of a domestic space manufacturing ecosystem.
Future Plans
GalaxEye plans to use StarOps’ engineering capabilities, satellite platforms and proprietary technologies to deepen its vertical integration and accelerate product development.
The combined capabilities are expected to support GalaxEye’s ability to take space missions from initial spacecraft design and development through testing and operations.
The company is also working towards developing and deploying a constellation of OptoSAR satellites, with applications spanning defence, national security and commercial Earth observation.
Conclusion
GalaxEye’s acquisition of StarOps strengthens its satellite engineering capabilities while bringing spacecraft platforms, indigenous technologies and experienced engineers under one organisation.
The deal could help GalaxEye gain greater control over spacecraft development and accelerate the integration of its OptoSAR Earth observation technology. As India’s private space sector expands, the acquisition also underlines the importance of building indigenous capabilities across the satellite value chain.
