MAHE and Dhruva Space Partner to Build ASCENT Space Center in Manipal

Manipal, Karnataka – In a landmark agreement, Maharaja’s College of Engineering (MAHE) and Bengaluru‑based private rocket company Dhruva Space have pledged to jointly develop the ASCENT (Asia Centre for Emerging New Technologies) space launch centre in Manipal. The pact, announced today, will see both institutions share expertise, infrastructure and funding to establish a cutting‑edge research and launch facility that targets low‑Earth orbit missions.

ASCENT seeks to position India as a competitive player in space technology by offering affordable access to orbit for satellites and research payloads. Dhruva Space, founded in 2021, has already achieved notable milestones, including test launches of its Proton‑X rocket, while MAHE brings decades of engineering prowess and a robust student community that will benefit from hands‑on training. The collaboration aligns with Karnataka’s vision of becoming a hub for high‑tech innovation and complements state initiatives aimed at boosting STEM education.

The development of the ASCENT centre is expected to generate jobs, attract investment, and elevate Manipal’s profile as an emerging space corridor. By fostering partnerships between academia and industry, the project could nurture a talent pipeline for India’s growing space sector and help Udupi District tap into new economic opportunities. Source: Google News – Manipal.