Bengaluru, August 10(APAC Media): GalaxEye has acquired Bengaluru-based spacecraft engineering startup StarOps as it looks to strengthen its satellite development capabilities. The acquisition gives GalaxEye access to StarOps’ satellite platforms, engineering expertise and proprietary spacecraft technologies.
StarOps was founded in 2022 to develop satellite platforms and indigenous spacecraft technologies in India. Its capabilities cover spacecraft systems, propulsion, avionics, flight computing, guidance and navigation, structures, electrical systems, mission operations and ground operations.
The company has developed satellite bus platforms in the 50kg, 150kg and 250kg classes. StarOps has also reported more than 66% indigenisation across its satellite systems.
Several members of the StarOps team previously worked at TeamIndus and were involved in its lunar lander and rover programme. Their experience includes mission design, spacecraft development and satellite operations.
GalaxEye, founded in 2021 by IIT Madras engineers, is developing Earth observation systems based on its OptoSAR technology, which combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imaging. The company says the approach is designed to provide imagery during both day and night and across different weather conditions.
The acquisition could allow GalaxEye to bring more of the satellite development chain in-house, from spacecraft design and subsystem development to mission operations.
The company has also been expanding its commercial plans. In February 2026, NewSpace India Limited signed an agreement to resell GalaxEye’s satellite imagery products, including its SyncFused OptoSAR data.
The StarOps deal therefore adds an engineering layer to GalaxEye’s existing Earth observation business as India’s private space sector moves towards building larger and more integrated satellite systems.
