India’s space technology startup ‘Digantara Industries’ has signed an important agreement with Singapore’s Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). The purpose of this agreement is to protect Singapore’s national satellites from collisions with space debris. Special technology will be developed for this. Bengaluru-based Digantara Industries says this is the first time that a Singapore defense unit has partnered with an Indian space-tech company.
What is this technology and why is it important?
Today, thousands of pieces and debris of old satellites are floating in space. Even these small fragments can destroy an operational satellite. Digantara and Singapore’s DSTA will jointly develop ‘Space Situational Awareness’ (SSA) tools. This technology will work like a radar which will monitor every movement of debris in space and issue alerts before the collision. Its objective is to ensure the safety and longevity of satellites in congested orbital environments.
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The agreement also plans to combine Digantra’s sensor data with AI based analytics. Additionally, the Singapore Government will also participate in the assembly, integration and testing process for Digantara’s upcoming space-based sensor missions.
Singapore will get ‘sovereign control’
Digantra CEO Anirudh Sharma said that the biggest feature of this partnership is ‘sovereign control’. This means that whatever software or tools Digantara creates, the Singapore government will have complete control over it. They will be able to use it locally as per their needs.
There will be a combination of AI and sensors
In this project, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used for accurate verification of data.
- Flight Dynamics: Will identify hazards in the satellite’s path.
- Sensor Data: Will track the debris through sensors installed in space and on the ground.
- Assembly and Testing: Singapore experts will also work with Digantra to help in testing and fitting of these sensors.
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Door will open for Asia-Pacific
Digantara sees this partnership as a big opportunity for expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. The company believes that Singapore will open the way for entry into other Asian markets like South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand. According to the company, Digantara’s expertise in space and ground-based sensing infrastructure will be used to create software applications that will make satellite tracking more accurate and effective.
