The ASCENT Centre will focus on advancing space systems engineering, applied research, mission development, and technology qualification by bringing academia and industry together to develop, validate, and translate next-generation space technologies into operational applications. The facility will feature dedicated infrastructure for spacecraft development, integration, testing, and qualification, including a Class 10,000 cleanroom, a Helmholtz cage, and an air-bearing table for spacecraft dynamics and control validation.
Scheduled for inauguration in late 2026, the Centre will provide students with opportunities to lead satellite and hosted payload missions, enabling end-to-end experience in spacecraft design, integration, testing, launch preparation, and on-orbit operations. By combining academic education with real-world engineering programmes, ASCENT aims to develop mission-ready professionals while supporting technologies with commercial and national significance.
Beyond student-led missions, ASCENT will support programmes across emerging space domains while providing an environment for prototype development, technology demonstration, and the transition of innovations into ecosystem-ready space applications. The Centre's primary research and engineering areas will include advanced space systems engineering and mission operations, autonomous and intelligent spacecraft technologies, space sustainability and awareness solutions, and emerging applications such as Space-based Internet of Things and microgravity research.
The long-term vision of ASCENT includes developing and operating at least three 1U–6U CubeSat missions by 2028, followed by the deployment of a swarm constellation of femto satellites, the establishment of a fully operational Space Situational Awareness Centre, and the development of indigenous satellite bus designs, payloads, and modular satellite platforms by 2030. Looking further ahead, the Centre aims to undertake at least one interplanetary technology demonstration mission by 2035, contributing to deep-space exploration and next-generation space technologies.
The partnership comes at a time when India's commercial space sector is witnessing rapid expansion, technological advancement, and increasing demand for highly skilled professionals. ASCENT has been established to bridge the gap between academic research and operational capabilities by combining scientific research, industrial expertise, and practical engineering within a single collaborative platform.
Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said the space sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, creating new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and talent development. He stated that universities have a critical responsibility in shaping this future and described ASCENT as MAHE's commitment to nurturing talent, advancing knowledge, and contributing to India's growing space ecosystem.
He further said that the partnership with Dhruva Space will provide students with the unique opportunity to work on real satellite missions, gain practical experience using industry-grade infrastructure, and solve real engineering challenges beyond classroom learning. According to him, MAHE believes the most effective way to prepare students is by enabling them to build, test, and innovate in real-world environments. He added that ASCENT has been designed to bridge the gap between academic education and industry expectations, ensuring graduates are confident and prepared to contribute to India's expanding space sector.
Prof. Chandrakala C.B., In-Charge Director of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, said ASCENT represents a significant milestone in advancing multidisciplinary research and innovation in space science and technology. She stated that the industry-academia collaboration aims to create an ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, and industry partners to develop technologies supporting India's expanding space sector.
Dr. Balbir Singh, Coordinator of MIT Space Programs, said ASCENT is envisioned as a multidisciplinary centre that will support advanced research and practical learning across the complete space mission lifecycle. He explained that the planned capabilities include advanced space systems engineering and mission operations, student-led satellite and hosted payload missions, and research in solar sails and deployable space systems. The Centre will also promote innovation in autonomous swarm technologies, ground segment technologies, and Space Internet of Things while integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for intelligent autonomous space operations.
Through microgravity research partnerships, industry-integrated programmes, and collaborations involving academia, government, and industry, ASCENT aims to strengthen India's emerging NewSpace ecosystem.
Krishna Teja Penamakuru, Chief Operations Officer and Co-founder of Dhruva Space, said India's space sector is experiencing industrialisation, commercialisation, and rapid growth in indigenous capabilities. He stated that long-term development requires not only technology but also research infrastructure, skilled talent, and strong industry-academia partnerships. According to him, ASCENT will serve as a Centre of Excellence where research ideas can evolve into mission-ready solutions through close collaboration with industry. He added that the initiative will bring together students, researchers, faculty members, and practising engineers, creating an environment where academic excellence aligns with real mission requirements while industry benefits from innovative research and fresh perspectives.
By combining MAHE's multidisciplinary academic strengths with Dhruva Space's end-to-end space engineering expertise, ASCENT establishes a long-term foundation for advancing indigenous space technologies while accelerating the transition from research to operational missions. The Centre is expected to strengthen India's commercial space ecosystem by developing mission-ready professionals, enabling collaborative research and development, and creating a scalable model of industry-academia collaboration that enhances the country's long-term technological competitiveness.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education is an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University offering more than 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technology, and Science through campuses located in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. The university received the Institution of Eminence status from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2020 and is ranked third in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025.
Dhruva Space Private Limited, headquartered in Hyderabad, is a full-stack space engineering solutions provider operating across space, launch, and ground segments for civilian and defence clients worldwide. The company delivers satellites, earth stations, and launch services as integrated or standalone technology solutions supporting space-based applications on Earth and beyond.
The establishment of ASCENT represents a significant milestone in India's evolving space ecosystem by creating a dedicated platform where academic research, industrial innovation, advanced engineering, and practical mission development converge to accelerate indigenous space technologies and prepare the next generation of mission-ready professionals.
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