Dhruva Space Joins Thales Alenia Space to Explore Satellite, Space Infra

Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based full-stack space engineering solutions provider, has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thales Alenia Space entities in France and Italy.  

The agreement establishes a framework to explore strategic cooperation across satellite programmes and space infrastructure, according to the company.

"India and Europe are proactively deepening their strategic and industrial cooperation, with technology, resilient supply chains and Space emerging as important areas of shared opportunity," Sanjay Nekkanti, CEO and Co-founder of Dhruva Space, said in a statement. 

He added that the cleanroom inauguration "was an early reflection of the complementary capabilities and industrial ambitions that can bring India and Europe's Space ecosystems closer together," and said the new partnership creates "a structured pathway to move from dialogue and capability alignment towards the identification and development of future programmes."

The MoU covers low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, satellite platforms and subsystems, satellite series production and integration, ground stations, and human spaceflight and cargo programmes, the company said. 

Dhruva Space said the partnership brings together its growing capabilities in satellite platforms, subsystems and mission integration with Thales Alenia Space's experience delivering large international space programmes and satellite constellations.

According to the company, potential areas of cooperation include LEO constellation programmes and satellite series production, where repeatable manufacturing and systems integration could support scale. It also identified satellite platforms and subsystems, along with ground and space infrastructure supporting future human and cargo space programmes as focus areas.

Dhruva Space said the partnership will operate through a joint working group, which will bring together technical and business teams to evaluate and develop opportunities. A steering committee will provide strategic direction and oversight, according to the company.

The partnership was formalised at Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, an industry conference for space and satellite companies and professionals, the company said.

Dhruva Space said the agreement builds on an existing relationship with Thales Alenia Space. In October 2024, Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, co-inaugurated Dhruva Space's Class 100,000 cleanroom in Hyderabad, which the company said supports space-grade solar array production and the assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft up to 500 kg.

Dhruva Space said its longer-term objective through the partnership is to establish itself as an India-based partner for global space programmes across platforms, production, subsystems, and infrastructure.