"Seconds Become Valuable" in the Defense Market — Digantara's Challenge with Space-Based Early Warning

1. The Reason for "Tracking Missiles from Space" Now

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has become a "crowded sky" with the rapid increase of communication and Earth observation satellites. As a result, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), which supports collision avoidance and early threat detection, is becoming an important infrastructure for both private and national sectors. In this context, the Indian space startup Digantara has announced its next move: expanding to "detect and track missiles with satellites." The Week

The company's CEO, Anirudh Sharma, explains that their experience in tracking "fast-moving objects" in space can be directly applied to missile tracking. This is more of a lateral expansion of their core capabilities in tracking, estimation, and analysis rather than a pivot in business direction. The Economic Times

2. The Roadmap: "Satellites × Ground × Integrated Platform"

The framework of the plan reported is quite specific.

• Starting with the already operational commercial surveillance satellite SCOT, they plan to deploy an additional 15 surveillance satellites by 2026-27.

• Furthermore, they plan to deploy two Albatross satellites specialized for early warning and precise tracking during the same period.

• On the ground side, they will expand the surveillance and observation network Skygate.

• These will be integrated into a platform responsible for data fusion, analysis, and decision support, called AIRA (an integrated space and ground infrastructure).

Digantara's design philosophy is evident in not just relying on the "eyes in space" but also incorporating the "eyes on the ground" and the "brain of integration." Instead of competing solely on satellite performance, they aim to create "usable information" through the number, placement, data fusion, and operational speed of sensors. The Week

3. Although "Tracking" is the Same, Missile Tracking is Significantly More Challenging

However, there are decisive differences between tracking space debris or other satellites and missile warning. It's not just about "finding" them; it's about reducing false detections, continuously tracking, and meeting decision-making timelines. Sharma also mentions plans to expand infrared (IR) sensor capabilities to mid/long-wave infrared. Handling this "heat" is crucial for early warning. TechCrunch

Moreover, the high standards required for defense applications also mean high barriers to entry. Not only performance but also security, supply systems, and operational continuity are evaluated. This is why the company is simultaneously expanding its manufacturing capabilities alongside its satellite launch plans. TechCrunch

4. The Significance of Raising $50 Million is More About "Mass Production and Deployment" Than the "Number of Satellites"

In December 2025, Digantara raised $50 million in Series B. New investors such as 360 ONE Asset, SBI Investment (Japan), and Ronnie Screwvala joined, along with existing investors Peak XV Partners and Kalaari Capital. TechCrunch

The use of funds is not just to increase the number of satellites. Reports indicate plans to expand manufacturing capabilities (satellites and optics) within India, with an eye on European expansion as well. Establishing a base in Colorado Springs in the U.S. to meet "participation qualifications" for defense procurement is also a crucial point. TechCrunch

5. The U.S. Market is the "Largest Demand" but the "Most Stringent Entry Point"

The market for missile warning and tracking is particularly large in the U.S., but there are also strong regulatory constraints. Sharma mentions that "to contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), a dedicated office and team in the U.S. are necessary." The Week

TechCrunch reports that the company is focusing on larger (100kg-class) satellites and spacecraft on the U.S. side, while the Indian side will mainly handle analysis, processing, and SSA. There are also mentions of providing analysis for the U.S. Space Command and contracts related to the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) SHIELD program, indicating that the company is moving beyond the "entry preparation stage" to establish a concrete foothold. TechCrunch

6. Reactions on Social Media (Based on Publicly Available Information)

The news has been widely shared on social media, particularly on LinkedIn, with generally positive reactions (based on publicly available posts, not a comprehensive review of all comments).

Reaction ① "India's SpaceTech 'Coming of Age'"

In LinkedIn news summaries, the context often treats the funding, manufacturing expansion, and satellite plans as "evidence of the growing presence of India's space industry." Investor posts also use expressions like "coming-of-age moment," appreciating the challenge of tackling national-level infrastructure. linkedin.com

Reaction ② "From SSA to Missile Tracking is a Natural Evolution"

In the CEO's own posts, he explains that the same "visualization" needed for missile defense is a natural evolution from addressing the fragmented visibility issues in space. This narrative seems to support understanding on social media. linkedin.com

Reaction ③ "The Plan is Specific and Easy to Share"

Posts from media accounts have neatly summarized elements like "to Europe," "15 + 2 satellites," and "AIRA," contributing to the news being "easy to talk about" and thus widely shared. linkedin.com

(Supplementary) The company has previously been strong in articulating its messages, as seen when posts about SCOT were quoted in reports. ETTelecom.com

7. The Upcoming Focus: "Operational Track Record," "Reliability," and "Continuous Supply"

Digantara's challenge will be more about the "mundane aspects of operation" than the "flashiness of announcements."

• The more surveillance satellites, the greater the data volume and analysis load

• For defense applications, the standards for false detection, delay, and continuous operation are stringent

• And above all, satellites are not just about making them; they must continuously cycle through mass production, launch, and renewal to form a "network"

Series B funding, U.S. base, manufacturing expansion, and the deployment plan for 2026-27. The materials are coming together. The next newsworthy point will be whether they can talk about "being used" rather than just "launched." The question is how far Digantara can penetrate the turning point where space moves from "traffic management" to "early warning." TechCrunch