Space technology startup GalaxEye is expanding its engineering capabilities with the acquisition of Bengaluru-based spacecraft engineering company StarOps, bringing together two teams working toward a more self-reliant Indian space technology ecosystem.
The acquisition gives GalaxEye access to StarOps’ spacecraft technologies, qualified satellite platforms and systems engineering expertise, while also adding an experienced engineering team to its operations. Several members of the StarOps team have previously worked with TeamIndus on its Lunar Lander and Rover projects, bringing experience across mission design, spacecraft development and end-of-life operations.
For GalaxEye, the integration is expected to strengthen capabilities across the satellite development cycle, from early-stage design and development to testing, deployment and operations.
Founded in 2022, StarOps has been focused on developing satellite platforms and advancing the indigenisation of spacecraft technologies in India. Over the years, the company has built expertise spanning spacecraft systems engineering, mission operations, propulsion, avionics, flight computing, guidance and navigation, structures and mechanisms, electrical systems, programme management and ground operations.
One of StarOps’ key strengths is its focus on reducing dependence on global supply chains. The company has achieved more than 66% indigenisation across its satellite systems and has developed a portfolio of technologies aimed at supporting locally built spacecraft.
The acquisition also brings several qualified satellite bus platforms into GalaxEye’s portfolio, covering the 50 kg, 150 kg and 250 kg classes. Alongside these platforms, StarOps contributes proprietary subsystem technologies, qualification heritage, testing infrastructure and engineering tools.
Together, these capabilities give GalaxEye greater control over multiple stages of spacecraft development. The integration is expected to support faster product development, deeper vertical integration and the company’s ability to deliver end-to-end space missions.
At the heart of GalaxEye’s own space ambitions is its proprietary OptoSAR technology, which combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with optical imaging. The approach is designed to enable Earth observation during both day and night and across varying weather conditions.
Founded in 2021 by Suyash Singh, Denil Chawda, Kishan Thakkar, Pranit Mehta, Rakshit Bhatt and Satya Chakravarthy, GalaxEye is building capabilities around Earth observation and satellite-based intelligence.
The StarOps acquisition marks another step in that journey, particularly as Indian space startups increasingly look to build more of their technology and engineering capabilities in-house.
The transaction also comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is seeing increased M&A activity across sectors, including fintech, consumer, SaaS, proptech and deep tech. Recent transactions include Aurum PropTech’s acquisition of Housing.com for an enterprise value of Rs 458 crore, Meesho’s Rs 202 crore acquisition of Kirana Club and MoEngage’s acquisition of AI startup Aampe.
For GalaxEye, bringing StarOps into the fold is ultimately about more than adding another engineering team. It strengthens the company’s ability to build, qualify and operate spacecraft internally as it works toward delivering increasingly integrated space missions from India.
