New Delhi, May 3: Bengaluru-based private space startup Galaxy I has successfully launched its satellite, Mission Drishti, with the help of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This mission aims to effectively gather images related to adverse weather impacts, agriculture, and border surveillance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the founders and the entire team of Galaxy I through a post on X.
He stated, “The launch of Mission Drishti by Galaxy I marks a significant achievement in space exploration. The successful deployment of the world’s first OptoSAR satellite and India’s largest privately built satellite is a testament to our youth’s passion for innovation and nation-building. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the founders and the entire team of Galaxy I.”
On Sunday, the 190-kilogram Mission Drishti was launched from California. It is the largest satellite ever built by an Indian private company. This unique satellite features a multispectral camera and a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imager integrated into a single platform.
The core of the Drishti mission is an innovative hybrid system called OptoSAR, which combines optical imaging and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on the same platform. Traditionally, satellites rely on either optical sensors or radar.
Optical systems capture wide and colorful images, but they struggle to provide clear ground images during cloudy or dark conditions. Conversely, radar systems utilize radio waves to see through clouds and operate at night, although they typically produce less clear images.
OptoSAR bridges this gap by integrating both technologies within a single satellite. It captures optical and radar data simultaneously, merging the outputs into a unified image. As a result, extremely detailed images of the Earth can be obtained regardless of weather conditions. This satellite is among the highest-resolution satellites in India.
The successful launch highlights the growing role of global partnerships in India’s space endeavors. By leveraging SpaceX’s launch services, Indian startups are gaining rapid and flexible access to space while focusing on advanced payload development.
Mission Drishti signifies a shift in India’s space landscape, moving towards a more dynamic ecosystem driven by private innovation rather than solely government leadership. As Galaxy I prepares to activate the satellite’s data capabilities, this mission could redefine how we monitor the Earth, providing clear and reliable information regardless of time or weather.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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