Thiruvananthapuram‑based space‑tech startup HEX20 has slated six additional satellite missions for the next 12 months following the successful KOYO launch. The lineup includes the UK‑tested propulsion CubeSat NILA III, a ship‑identification satellite for Taiwan's NCU, and a lander module for the Emirates asteroid‑belt mission.

Key Takeaways

  • HEX20 has scheduled six new satellite missions after KOYO
  • MAYA‑V1 and DINK‑N1 are named after beloved Indian children’s‑book characters
  • The upcoming missions cover propulsion testing, space‑weather monitoring, and an asteroid‑belt lander

HEX20, a space‑technology startup based in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, has turned the successful KOYO launch into a launch‑pad for an ambitious twelve‑month roadmap. Six more satellites are now earmarked, positioning the company as a credible global partner for small‑satellite missions.

Recent Milestones and KOYO’s Impact

On 7 July 2026, HEX20’s second satellite – KOYO (Kinetic Optical Yaw Observer) – lifted off aboard SpaceX’s Transporter‑17 mission for Taiwan’s National Central University (NCU). Following the inaugural Nila satellite in 2025, KOYO demonstrated not only mission reliability but also validated HEX20’s proprietary solar‑panel deployment mechanism and deployable monopole‑rod antenna, a claim backed by CEO Amal Chandran and CTO Anurag Reghu.

Details of the Six Upcoming Missions

The forthcoming launches comprise:

  • NILA III – a CubeSat designed to qualify UK‑based OhmSpace’s propulsion system.
  • SAISI – a ship‑identification satellite for NCU, aimed at enhancing maritime tracking capabilities.
  • COSPAR‑1 – a space‑weather measurement satellite developed in collaboration with the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).
  • Emirates Asteroid‑Belt Lander Module – part of the United Arab Emirates’ mission to the asteroid belt, incorporating Indian research expertise.
  • MAYA‑V1 – “Multi Application Yearly Assimilated Vehicle”, a smaller payload intended for multi‑disciplinary experiments.
  • DINK‑N1 – “Direct Imaging Network Node”, a 30‑35 kg satellite equipped for high‑resolution imaging.

The latter two satellites, MAYA‑V1 and DINK‑N1, draw their acronyms from the beloved Indian children’s‑book characters Mayavi and Dingan, as explained by co‑founder and COO Aravind M.B. This cultural branding strategy is designed to resonate with domestic audiences while maintaining technical gravitas.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

Collectively, these missions underscore HEX20’s transition from a regional prototype builder to an internationally trusted mission provider. Partnerships such as COSPAR‑1 elevate India’s role in global space‑weather research, while the Emirates lander module signals deepening Indo‑UAE cooperation in deep‑space exploration. Successful execution could cement HEX20 as a one‑stop shop for small‑satellite manufacturing, attracting foreign investment and stimulating the domestic space‑startup ecosystem.