XDLINX Space Labs
XDLINX Space Labs is a rising spacetech startup offering end-to-end nano/microsatellite platforms and mission services. Essentially, XDLINX provides “satellite infrastructure” to both governments and new-space companies who need custom satellites quickly. The startup is notable for its international orientation - for instance, in January 2024 it delivered two microsatellites for a US customer, Almagest, which were launched via SpaceX’s rideshare . XDLINX’s satellites are built on a common platform but highly configurable (for different payloads like Earth imaging, AIS, SAR, etc.). The company also emphasizes indigenous development of satellite components - it has developed in-house flight computers, power systems, and an L-band SAR payload in partnership with a radar firm. With strong early traction (international contracts and substantial seed funding), XDLINX is poised to become a major smallsat manufacturer in India’s private sector.
Modular Satellite Bus: XDLINX offers standard nano- and microsatellite buses that can be adapted for various missions - e.g., a 6U cubesat bus for IoT or a 100 kg microsat for remote sensing. These come with pre-integrated subsystems (onboard computer, ADCS, radio) to shorten development time.
Turnkey Satellite Missions: For customers, XDLINX handles the entire mission – from payload accommodation design, environmental testing, launch procurement to deployment and early operations. In 2023 they announced a project to build India’s first private L- band SAR satellite in collaboration with Sisir Radar (a strategic partnership to provide all-weather imaging satellite by 2027).
Launch Services Integration: XDLINX works closely with launch providers (SpaceX, NewSpace India Limited) and takes care of regulatory clearances, frequency licensing, etc., making it easy for a client to get to orbit. Essentially, they aim to be a one-stop satellite shop: a customer can “plug in” its payload and XDLINX delivers an orbit-ready satellite. The company also touts its mission operations center which can operate multiple satellites – indeed, it is likely to operate the satellites it built for Almagest under contract
Meet the Team
Founders
Phani Kumar Gandupalli (Co-founder & CEO) and Karthik Govindhasamy (Co-founder & CTO). Phani Kumar has a background in satellite systems engineering and business, and Karthik is an avionics engineer - together they envisioned simplifying satellite production. They are relatively young first-time founders, but their successful customer deliveries have earned them credibility. They also have a third co-founder, Sai Teja P, focusing on operations.
Other Team Members
Dr. K. Raghava - Principal Advisor (retired ISRO satellite systems head) guiding technical processes. With Ashish Kacholia’s investment, Harshal Kacholia joined as a strategic advisor on scaling manufacturing. XDLINX’s early achievements (like launching satellites for foreign clients within 18 months of founding) reflect a highly capable team. The company is part of the Telangana state’s T–Works accelerator, enjoying local government support. XDLINX is one of the startups benefitting from India’s new space policy, and it often collaborates with academia (like IIT- Hyderabad) to source talent and tech for its ambitious roadmap.
