Phased rollout to begin in 2026, targeting over a dozen optical stations by 2031; manufacturing to be localised at Devanahalli aerospace facility.
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities, French space technology company Aldoria has signed a contract with AXISCADES Technologies Limited to deploy a network of optical ground stations across the country.
The agreement marks the operationalisation of a partnership first outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed last year. Under the new contract, the rollout of optical stations will begin in 2026, with the network expected to scale in phases to more than a dozen installations by 2031.
Two-Pillar Architecture: Hardware and Software
According to Aldoria, the contract covers two principal elements: optical stations built on a standard-components architecture and the specialised software required to operate, manage, and expand a distributed SSA network.
The phased implementation model aims to establish an initial operational capability through a pilot deployment before gradually expanding capacity. Specific technical and site-level details remain confidential.
The pilot phase will involve deployment of the first station, along with maintenance support and provision of critical spare parts for a defined period. Subsequent stations will be manufactured and delivered from AXISCADES’ newly commissioned Devanahalli Atmanirbhar Complex (DAL) at the Bangalore Aerospace Park, located near Kempegowda International Airport.
Local Manufacturing, Gradual Autonomy
Beyond infrastructure deployment, the agreement provides for structured skills transfer and training, enabling AXISCADES to progressively achieve operational autonomy in SSA capabilities.
Dr. Sampath Ravinarayanan, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of AXISCADES Technologies, described the collaboration as a strategic enabler for India’s space and defence ecosystem.
“By integrating optical stations and specialised software for Indian requirements, this partnership strengthens our space and defence objectives through real-time tracking and risk assessment of critical orbital assets,” he said.
Romain Lucken, CEO of Aldoria, emphasised that the agreement aligns with Aldoria’s mission of delivering independent and actionable SSA solutions.
“By combining Aldoria’s software and command-and-control expertise with AXISCADES’ integration capabilities, we are building a structured, step-by-step roadmap tailored to India’s needs, supported by systematic knowledge transfer,” Lucken noted.
Why Optical SSA Matters
Optical stations are advanced ground-based systems designed to detect and track objects in space, particularly in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Using high-precision telescopes and associated software, these systems monitor satellites and space debris, enhancing collision avoidance, mission safety, and space domain awareness.
With India’s growing satellite constellation and expanding commercial space activity, robust SSA infrastructure is increasingly seen as critical for safeguarding orbital assets and ensuring long-term sustainability of space operations.
The Aldoria–AXISCADES agreement reflects a broader trend of international collaboration combined with localised manufacturing and capability development. As the network scales through 2031, the initiative is expected to generate high-skilled employment in India’s aerospace and defence sectors while deepening indigenous expertise in space surveillance technologies.
In an era of congested and contested orbits, the deal signals India’s intent to strengthen its independent tracking and monitoring capabilities — a strategic necessity for an increasingly space-reliant nation.
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