New Delhi: India’s private space sector marked a breakthrough moment as GalaxEye successfully launched Mission Drishti, the world’s first OptoSAR satellite-drawing strong praise from PM Narendra Modi.
Calling it a proud milestone, the Prime Minister said the mission reflects the energy and innovation of India’s youth. In his message, he underlined that such achievements are shaping the country’s future in science and technology, while also strengthening its global standing in space exploration.
The satellite was launched aboard Falcon 9 from California, signalling how Indian startups are now playing on a global stage. What sets Mission Drishti apart is its cutting-edge OptoSAR technology-an integration of electro-optical and radar imaging systems-allowing it to capture clear images regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
Weighing about 160 kg, it is being seen as a landmark achievement for India’s private space ecosystem, not just for its size but also for its advanced imaging capabilities. The satellite is designed for a wide range of applications, from defence surveillance and disaster response to agriculture monitoring and infrastructure planning.
Founded in 2021 by IIT Madras engineers, GalaxEye is betting big on the future of Earth observation. With plans to launch a constellation of satellites by 2029, the startup aims to deliver faster, more reliable data for both government and commercial use.
Mission Drishti doesn’t just represent a technological leap-it signals a shift. India’s space ambitions are no longer driven only by government agencies but are increasingly powered by a new generation of private innovators.
