Technopark-based HEX20 Expands Lab Facility

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Technopark-based small satellite manufacturing company HEX20 opened its newly expanded lab facility in Nila Building on Wednesday (Dec. 17), marking a milestone in enhancing its operational productivity, innovation potential and storage capabilities.

The expansion nearly doubled the previous lab space, incorporating cutting-edge equipment such as advanced assembly and Integration stations, the Optics Lab, cleanroom upgrades, precision testing tools, and optimized workflow layouts.

Expanded storage solutions now accommodate larger inventories of satellite components and materials, directly supporting HEX20’s growing research, prototyping, and production demands in the competitive small satellite sector. This strategic upgradation not only accelerates project timelines but also enables seamless scaling of operations, fostering faster delivery of high-performance satellites to clients and partners worldwide.

Key stakeholders, employees and local dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony.

Dr. Amal Chandran, CEO of HEX20, said the expansion has scaled up the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.

“This new facility represents our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in small satellite technology,” said Dr. Amal. “By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, we are not only enhancing our productivity and scaling efficiency but also empowering our talented team to push the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions for space missions that matter.”

HEX20, which built India’s first rideshare satellite in the private sector, recently expanded its operations in Technopark Phase-1. The space-tech startup added a 4500 sq.ft space in MSquared Building, which can house around 50 professionals and equipped with cabins, meeting rooms and pantry. It is located at a short walking distance from its first office in Nila Building.

HEX20 was Kerala’s first startup to partner with US launch provider Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) for launch of its maiden satellite Nila, named after the culturally significant river in Kerala, as well as the Technopark building where it is located.

Seeking to give an impetus to the efforts to create a space ecosystem, HEX20 set up its state-of-the-art R&D facility at Technopark in 2023. This facility is well positioned to serve as the ultimate catalyst for innovation, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence in the field of space technology in the state.

HEX20, which has its presence in Australia, UAE and Taiwan, has partnered with the domestic manufacturing network that plays a pivotal role in ISRO missions. HEX20 builds payload agnostic satellite platforms and offers satellite mission as a service and payload hosting capabilities for in-orbit demonstration to its customers.