Bengaluru-based start-up Digantara is set to revolutionize space operations with the launch of the world’s first commercial satellite designed to track objects as small as 5 cm in orbit. This cutting-edge initiative aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of space activities amidst the increasing congestion in Earth’s orbits caused by satellites and space debris.
The need for robust space surveillance, known as Space Situational Awareness (SSA), has become critical as the number of artificial satellites and debris in orbit continues to rise. Effective SSA ensures the safety of operational spacecraft by monitoring and managing the crowded orbital environment.
Last month, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) encountered such congestion firsthand. The launch of its SpaDeX satellites had to be delayed by two minutes to avoid potential collisions with other objects in orbit. Even a minor impact with a small piece of debris, traveling at speeds exceeding 25,000 km per hour, could lead to catastrophic damage to a spacecraft.
To address these challenges, Digantara’s groundbreaking Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) satellite is set to launch onboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. The mission is scheduled for liftoff from California around midnight on Tuesday.
“SCOT marks a pivotal step towards achieving surveillance superiority in space,” stated Anirudh Sharma, Founder and CEO of Digantara Aerospace. “By deploying this satellite, we aim to create a safer and more sustainable space environment while safeguarding sovereign assets in an increasingly contested domain.”
SCOT is designed to significantly enhance space safety, optimize traffic management in orbit, and bolster national security efforts. Unlike traditional systems that are hindered by weather conditions, geographic constraints, and limited fields of view, SCOT will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit. This unique orbital placement enables continuous monitoring of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with greater efficiency and precision.
According to a statement from Digantara, SCOT is capable of persistent tracking of Resident Space Objects (RSOs), detecting even those as small as 5 cm. This capability represents a major advancement over existing surveillance systems, which struggle to monitor smaller objects and deliver accurate, frequent updates.
The satellite’s ability to detect and track RSOs with exceptional frequency and precision addresses critical gaps left by current SSA systems. In today’s increasingly competitive and crowded space environment, SCOT’s high revisit rates and improved tracking accuracy are vital for ensuring the safety of operational assets.
SCOT also forms an integral part of Digantara’s broader mission to develop a hybrid network of surveillance systems. This network aims to provide continuous monitoring of the near-Earth space environment, ensuring improved safety and the long-term sustainability of space operations.
In a rapidly evolving space domain where risks from debris and congestion continue to grow, Digantara’s SCOT satellite represents a significant leap forward. By offering enhanced monitoring capabilities and addressing existing limitations, SCOT is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of safe and sustainable space exploration.