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Bengaluru-based space technology company GalaxEye Space has achieved a major breakthrough with the successful launch of its flagship satellite, Mission Drishti, marking the deployment of the world’s first OptoSAR satellite.
The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, California, representing a significant milestone for India’s growing private space industry.
Weighing around 190 kg, Mission Drishti is currently India’s largest privately built Earth observation satellite. It is also the first in the world to combine Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and electro-optical (EO) imaging systems on a single platform.
This advanced dual-sensor configuration enables continuous all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities, overcoming traditional limitations such as cloud cover and poor lighting conditions. The technology is expected to enhance data accuracy and reliability for multiple sectors, including agriculture, defence, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and infrastructure development.
The launch received praise from national leadership, with India’s Prime Minister congratulating the startup on social media platform X, describing the mission as a remarkable achievement in India’s space journey and a reflection of the country’s innovation-driven youth.
The successful deployment comes at a time when India is expanding its presence in the global geospatial intelligence market. With 29 operational Earth observation satellites, according to ISRO, India is strengthening its role in providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions to both domestic and international stakeholders.
Industry experts believe the mission reflects the increasing maturity of India’s private space ecosystem. IN-SPACe Chairman Pavan Goenka noted that sustained investment in commercialization and capability-building over recent years is now delivering tangible results.
Looking ahead, GalaxEye Space aims to expand its satellite constellation over the next five years to strengthen Earth observation capabilities and meet rising global demand for high-resolution satellite data.
The company has also partnered with NewSpace India Limited to distribute its imagery globally, improving access to advanced geospatial intelligence across various industries.
