GalaxEye Launches OptoSAR Satellite Mission Drishti

GalaxEye has announced the successful launch of Mission Drishti, a OptoSAR satellite, marking a significant development in Earth observation technology and India’s private space sector. The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, California.

Weighing 190 kilograms, Mission Drishti is India’s largest privately built Earth observation satellite. It combines Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single platform, enabling imaging in all weather conditions, including through clouds and in darkness. This integrated approach helps address long-standing limitations of conventional satellite systems.

The satellite is the result of more than five years of research and development by the Bengaluru-based startup. It underwent extensive environmental testing and performance validation prior to launch, supported by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), which provided access to infrastructure and necessary approvals.

“Mission Drishti marks our first mission and the culmination of over five years of sustained R&D to develop this breakthrough technology,” said Suyash Singh, Founder and CEO of GalaxEye. “With the satellite now successfully in orbit, our immediate focus is on completing its commissioning.”

Following deployment, the company expects to deliver initial imagery to customers in the coming weeks. The satellite has already generated interest from government and commercial users globally seeking high-quality and high-frequency Earth observation data.

Mission Drishti is a dual-use satellite with applications across defence, agriculture, disaster management, maritime monitoring, and infrastructure planning. Its capabilities are expected to support India’s broader Earth observation efforts, which include a growing network of operational satellites.

Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, said, “Mission Drishti by GalaxEye is a fine example of the progress being made by India’s private space ecosystem. As more Indian companies demonstrate their capabilities through real missions, confidence in the sector will continue to strengthen.”

GalaxEye has also partnered with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for the global distribution of its satellite data. The company plans to expand its satellite constellation over the next five years to support rising demand for reliable geospatial intelligence.