India has entered a new chapter in private space exploration with the launch of Nila, the nation’s first private payload hosting satellite. Developed by HEX20, a small satellite manufacturing company based at Technopark, this achievement marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s private space sector.
The satellite, Nila, was built in just four months and successfully launched on March 15 at 12:13 pm (IST) through Berlin-based satellite deployer Exolaunch aboard SpaceX Transporter-13. The separation from the launch vehicle occurred less than an hour later, at 1:07 pm IST.
On March 16, HEX20 confirmed the mission’s success after receiving the first beacon signal at its Satellite Control Center. The company also highlighted its collaboration with German space firm Dcubed by carrying Release Actuators as payloads, showcasing a strong commitment to international partnerships in space missions.
Interestingly, the satellite was named after the Nila River, an important cultural landmark in Kerala. Coincidentally, HEX20’s office is also located in the “Nila” building at Technopark.
Mission Operations and Training
The commissioning of Nila is currently being carried out from HEX20’s newly established Ground Station at Marian Engineering College in Menamkulam. In addition, the company is actively training faculty members and students at the college to operate the facility, ensuring skill development and future workforce readiness in satellite operations.
HEX20’s Vision and Future Plans
MB Aravind, Co-Founder & Director of HEX20, expressed gratitude towards IN-SPACe and all partners for supporting this mission. He stated that Nila is not just a satellite launch but a symbol of what passion and innovation can achieve.
Adding to this, Anurag Reghu, Co-Founder & CTO of HEX20, revealed plans for 2026, where the company aims to launch a 50 kg satellite aboard ISRO’s launch vehicle. HEX20 is also expanding its offerings with customizable high-performance spacecraft, FlatSats, and training programs to strengthen institutions and organizations globally.
To further accelerate innovation, HEX20 established a state-of-the-art R&D facility at Technopark in May 2023. The company plans to scale up its laboratories this year to support the simultaneous development of multiple satellites.
HEX20’s Global Presence
With operations in Australia, the UAE, and Taiwan, HEX20 has also partnered with India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem, which plays a vital role in ISRO missions. The company provides payload-agnostic satellite platforms, mission-as-a-service solutions, and advanced payload hosting capabilities for its customers worldwide.