Hyderabad Startup Sanyark Space Builds LEO Satellite Constellation For Navigation

A Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup founded by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists is developing a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide precise navigation and secure connectivity. Founded around 2022 by Raghava Kundrapu and Akhileshwar Reddy Peseke, Sanyark Space aims to build a resilient space infrastructure layer to power autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and critical defence systems.

The startup’s technology combines centimeter-level positioning, secure Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and software-defined satellite technology into a unified constellation. The founders aim to create a "space backbone" that functions as an operating system for next-generation connected and intelligent technologies.

Co-founder Raghava Kundrapu spent eight years at ISRO, where he contributed to more than 40 missions, including launch vehicle and human spaceflight programmes. After his tenure at ISRO, Kundrapu worked for three years as a space technology consultant at Deloitte, focusing on national and state-level space projects. It was during this period that he identified critical gaps in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) infrastructure.

Kundrapu met co-founder Akhileshwar Reddy Peseke, who had previously worked on the Indian government’s GNSS tolling pilot project during his time at ISRO. Together, they recognized a growing need for sovereign navigation capabilities to reduce India's heavy dependence on foreign satellite infrastructure.

According to the founders, existing navigation systems generally offer meter-level accuracy. This makes large-scale applications like satellite-based GNSS tolling difficult, as current systems struggle to distinguish whether a vehicle is on a service road, flyover, or main carriageway. Sanyark Space’s technology is designed to achieve centimeter-level precision to support future mobility applications.

Beyond accuracy, the startup is addressing security vulnerabilities in current navigation networks. Standard satellite signals are transmitted over long distances, making them susceptible to jamming and spoofing. Because critical infrastructure—including 5G networks, power grids, financial transaction systems, aviation, and maritime operations—relies on satellite timing signals, Sanyark Space is building its LEO constellation to be highly resistant to disruption.