He is unofficially regarded as the ‘grandad of India’s spacetech startup ecosystem’. After resigning from a high-level role as division head at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri founded Ananth Technologies Ltd (ATL) in Hyderabad in the early 1990s. It was a bold move, taken nearly three decades before India formally opened its space sector to private participation. Since then, ATL has played a pivotal role across the aerospace, geospatial and defence domains through custom-built solutions and mission-critical components. Recently, INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY’s Manish Pant caught up with ATL’s septuagenarian Chairman & Managing Director on the sidelines of the India Space Congress in New Delhi. Dr. Pavuluri remains sharply focused, much like the precision-engineered rockets whose development he has long supported. In addition to preparing to launch the country’s first privately developed geosynchronous communication satellite, he is also advocating for the creation of digital highways powered by satellite bandwidth, in his capacity as President of the industry body SatCom Industry Association (SIA-India). At the same time, he underscores the need for India to remain strategically committed to advancing its space capabilities for both economic growth and national security. Edited excerpts.
At a time when there were hardly any startups in the Indian spacetech sector, what made you establish Ananth Technologies in 1992?
In 1991, India was experiencing early liberalisation, particularly in infrastructure. That same year, we launched our first IRS (Indian Remote Sensing) satellite using our own PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). It became clear that satellite data could significantly contribute to national development, far more efficiently than outdated Survey of India topographic maps then in use. Recognising this potential, I proposed commercialising satellite-related activities, anticipating greater liberalisation in both satellite applications and launch vehicle development. Unfortunately, that policy shift didn’t materialise immediately.
When I resigned from ISRO, I submitted along with my resignation a report outlining the commercial potential of India’s space sector. At the time, IRS satellites had a 22-day revisit cycle, which was too slow for timely planning. I saw a critical need for more satellites with shorter revisit intervals, which raised further questions. How many satellites would be required? How many PSLVs? What would it cost? In communications, the INSAT series was essential for connecting remote areas, and demand for bandwidth was only going to rise. We were just beginning to develop the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), prompting similar questions, like how many geostationary satellites and launchers would be needed to cover the country comprehensively? When I analysed both downstream application needs and upstream manufacturing requirements, it became clear that the space sector held vast untapped potential, not just for national development but also for a new commercial ecosystem. That vision was behind the birth of Ananth Technologies.
So, how do you perceive the changes that have taken place in India’s spacetech sector since 2020, when the industry was opened to private sector participation?
There are two things here. One is, even before the space sector was opened up to the private sector, the number of digital transactions had gone up tremendously. India now leads the world in digital transactions, and they are growing. That means all these digital transactions again need more bandwidth. More communication satellites will be required for this purpose. That’s one part.
The second part is, once the liberalisation happened, we started looking at various other applications in the space sector, like Earth observation satellites. What I had predicted in 1992 is more or less coming true now. That means a large number of satellites will be required in the LEO (low Earth orbit). Once that happens, the business becomes more global, and not just for India. So that’s what we are talking about today. The Indian economy is going to be $30 trillion by 2047, which means the country will require a lot more satellite data for development activities. That’s what the space economy is about. Besides, during the COVID lockdowns, we learned that meetings could also be conducted over Zoom or similar video conferencing application, which means that people can access information while conducting virtual meetings from home.
Similarly, when extended to educational institutions, the classes can be conducted in the remotest of areas through digital highways, viz., the bandwidth. Therefore, my objective now is to also build digital superhighways in India. Then, naturally, the entire education system will transform. Which means, if a person wants to become an engineer, then he need not worry about getting a seat in an engineering college, where numbers are anyway restricted. Now, anybody who has the aptitude to learn can always learn through the digital highways.
With ATL having built satellites for international clients, how do you see India’s role evolving in the global satellite manufacturing and launch market?
India is well-positioned to emerge as a global hub for satellite and launch vehicle manufacturing. We have a vast pool of talent, cultivated in large part through ISRO’s collaboration with private industry over the years. Many of these companies, initially engaged in support roles, are now scaling up to provide complete manufacturing and data services for the space sector. In terms of our capabilities, we meet—and often exceed—international standards. Our production quality is rigorous, and the track record speaks for itself. Both satellite and launch vehicle programmes in India have been consistently successful. Given this foundation, it is only natural for India to play a much larger role in the global space manufacturing ecosystem, offering cost-effective, high-quality alternatives to traditionally dominant markets.
You are also gearing up to launch the country’s first privately developed GSO (geosynchronous orbit) communication satellite within the next few months. Could you tell us more about the project?
We have been allocated a frequency slot for a geosynchronous communication satellite, and all our efforts are aligned with that timeline. The goal is to develop a high-throughput satellite capable of delivering over 100 Gbps (gigabits per second), possibly even more. We are currently focused on designing and building the subsystems, integrating them, and completing the full AIT (assembly, integration and testing) process here in India. The satellite will weigh under four tonnes, enabling us to use the GSLV [rocket] for launch. The idea is to ensure the entire value chain, comprising design, integration, and launch, remains indigenous.
Any timeline you might be looking at?
We want to do this before 2028.
For the past few years, you were also quite vocal in your opposition to any auction of the satellite spectrum. With the country now having decided to take the administrative allocation route, do you foresee the emergence of homegrown satellite-based internet service providers giving tough competition to the likes of Starlink and OneWeb in pricing?
Yes, we will see more satellites launched by Indian private players. But this isn’t about competition in the conventional sense. India’s bandwidth requirements are enormous, and there is room for multiple providers to operate. A recent report, jointly prepared by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), ISRO and the Department of Telecommunications, projected a substantial rise in national bandwidth demand. Meeting that requirement will require a significant increase in satellite capacity across orbits. Given the scale and diversity of the country’s needs, both domestic and foreign players have a role to play in expanding satellite-based internet services.
A lot has been said about Operation Sindoor giving a mighty push to indigenous defence manufacturing. However, has it also boosted spacetech’s role in defence?
Satellites play a crucial role in national defence. Earlier, I spoke about Earth observation systems in the context of development; in defence, they are indispensable for intelligence, surveillance, and high-frequency revisit capabilities, which we often refer to as ISR. To meet these needs, a dense network of LEO satellites must be deployed, with specific configurations tailored for secure communication and rapid data acquisition in military operations. Let me put it this way: whoever controls Antariksha (outer space) will rule Prithvi (the Earth). Space technology today is no longer optional; it is central to securing our national interests!
-Manish Pant