As India’s private space ecosystem gains momentum, its top space tech startups are turning their gaze westward — toward the world’s largest and most advanced space economy. Startups such as Digantara, Pixxel, and Bellatrix Aerospace are spearheading India’s leap into the US space market, with ambitions to offer cutting-edge space solutions and earn global credibility in the highly specialized and security-heavy aerospace domain.
From setting up operations and launching satellites to striking strategic defense partnerships, Indian startups are making bold strides to mark their presence on American soil. This trend reflects a maturing Indian space startup ecosystem that is now ready to compete on a global stage.
Digantara Charts a Course Through Colorado
Bengaluru-based space situational awareness startup Digantara is planning a significant expansion in the United States. The company aims to invest between $10 million and $15 million over the next 6–8 months to establish a spacecraft manufacturing and space optics production facility in Colorado. This facility will support Digantara’s efforts to deliver advanced space surveillance systems, which are crucial for monitoring and managing space traffic and debris.
“We see the U.S. as a strategic market, both for its scale and its openness to innovative space surveillance solutions,” said Anirudh Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Digantara.
The company already has contracts in place with U.S. Department of Defense agencies, including the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. These partnerships are a significant validation of Digantara’s proprietary technologies, including its recently launched space-based surveillance satellite, which flew aboard a SpaceX Transporter-12 mission. This satellite uses high-resolution electro-optical sensors to track objects as small as five centimeters in diameter.
Digantara estimates that its U.S. expansion could generate between $25 million and $30 million in revenue over the next two years. The move aligns with its broader vision of capturing a slice of the $60 billion space surveillance and intelligence market, which is growing rapidly amid increasing concerns over orbital debris and the proliferation of low-earth orbit satellites.
Pixxel: A New View of the Earth
Meanwhile, hyperspectral imaging startup Pixxel is revolutionizing Earth observation with its pioneering satellite constellation. In January, Pixxel successfully launched three of its six planned hyperspectral satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, becoming the first Indian company to build a private satellite constellation.
Founded by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel specializes in hyperspectral imaging — a technology that captures data across hundreds of spectral bands, enabling extremely detailed analysis of Earth’s surface. This allows industries such as agriculture, mining, and environmental monitoring to make more informed decisions.
Backed by investors like Google, Pixxel already has 65 enterprise clients, including global names such as Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture. The company plans to launch three more satellites in the second quarter of 2025, followed by 18 more over the coming year to complete its commercial constellation.
With the hyperspectral imaging market expected to reach $19 billion by 2029, Pixxel is positioning itself as a leading player globally. “Our vision is to build a health monitor for the planet,” said Ahmed. “With our growing presence in the U.S., we’re getting closer to that reality.”
Bellatrix Aerospace Builds International Bridges
Bellatrix Aerospace, another key player in India’s space tech scene, is also exploring international partnerships to expand its reach. Recently, Bellatrix teamed up with Japanese space debris management firm Astroscale and Digantara to explore orbital servicing and debris removal solutions for India and the Asia-Pacific region.
This partnership is significant not just for its technological potential, but also because it marks Astroscale’s first operations outside Japan in the Asia-Pacific. The collaboration aims to deliver solutions within one to two years and could pave the way for joint missions in space debris cleanup — a growing area of concern for satellite operators and space agencies worldwide.
Bellatrix, which is known for its development of in-space propulsion systems, sees partnerships like this as essential for addressing global challenges in orbital sustainability.
Navigating a Complex Terrain
While the promise of the U.S. market is undeniable, Indian startups face several challenges — including navigating complex defense regulations, export control laws such as ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), and building trust in a highly credibility-driven domain.
To overcome these barriers, many startups are pursuing strategic partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with local players. These collaborations help them align with compliance requirements while providing access to vital resources, from launchpads and test facilities to business development networks.
Moreover, by establishing a U.S. presence, these companies gain a competitive edge when bidding for large government or defense contracts — a sector where proximity, trust, and a local footprint often matter as much as technology.
A New Space Race, Led by Startups
India’s private space industry, once seen as nascent, is now rapidly gaining global attention. With regulatory reforms, ISRO’s support for commercial space players, and the rise of international collaborations, Indian startups are proving that they can build not only for India — but for the world.
By docking into the American space market, these companies are not just chasing commercial opportunities; they’re making a bold statement: Indian innovation is ready for orbit.
