Dhruva Space and ICEYE Sign Pact to Expand Satellite Manufacturing and Earth Observation

Hyderabad-based space technology company Dhruva Space and Finnish synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite operator ICEYE have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on multiple fronts. The partnership encompasses satellite manufacturing, space systems production, earth observation services, disaster management solutions, and ground segment infrastructure.

The agreement was signed during the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice, France. It builds on Dhruva Space’s comprehensive capabilities in spacecraft engineering, scaled manufacturing, launch integration, ground station networks, and space applications, combined with ICEYE’s industry-leading SAR constellation and earth observation expertise.

Both companies will evaluate large-scale production of space components and subsystems in India, utilising Dhruva’s upcoming 2.80 lakh square feet assembly, integration, and testing facility near Hyderabad. Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly multiply capacity, enabling scalable manufacture of critical space hardware and supporting ICEYE’s global requirements through a resilient manufacturing base in India.

The MoU also explores joint development and manufacture of satellite buses and other space systems for domestic and international programmes. It seeks to expand access to earth observation data and analytics in India, with applications in disaster management, agriculture, maritime monitoring, and climate monitoring.

Additionally, opportunities will be evaluated to use Dhruva Space’s ground station network to enhance data accessibility, accelerate downlink capabilities, and develop ground-station-as-a-service (GSaaS) offerings for customers operating in and through India.

Dhruva Space CEO and Co-founder Sanjay Nekkanti said, “Together, we are exploring opportunities spanning the entire value chain, from manufacturing and space systems to data delivery and applications.” ICEYE Co-founder and CEO Rafal Modrzewski added, “We look forward to exploring opportunities that combine local manufacturing, rapid data access and innovative applications for customers across sectors.”