Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the successful launch of the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, Mission Drishti, developed by Bengaluru-based space start-up GalaxEye, describing it as a significant milestone in India’s growing space capabilities.
The satellite was launched aboard Falcon 9, operated by SpaceX, from California, marking a major achievement for India’s private space sector. In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Mission Drishti by GalaxEye marks a major achievement in our space journey. The successful launch of the world’s first OptoSAR satellite and the largest privately-built satellite in India is a testament to our youth’s passion for innovation and nation-building.”
He congratulated the founders and the entire GalaxEye team for their accomplishment, noting that such breakthroughs reflect the growing strength of India’s startup ecosystem and its expanding footprint in advanced technologies like space exploration.
Also read: Indian startup’s Drishti satellite launched aboard SpaceX rocket
Mission Drishti is being described as a pioneering development in satellite technology. It is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, combining electro-optical (EO) imaging with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities into a single platform. This integration allows the satellite to capture high-resolution images in all weather conditions, including through clouds and at night—a limitation that traditional optical satellites often face.
Experts opine that the dual-sensor system will significantly enhance applications such as disaster management, border surveillance, agriculture monitoring, urban planning, and climate tracking. By merging EO and SAR data in real time, the satellite can provide more accurate, reliable, and continuous Earth observation insights.
The mission also represents a broader shift in India’s space sector, where private players are increasingly taking on ambitious projects alongside government-led initiatives. Startups like GalaxEye are leveraging cutting-edge technology to build advanced satellites, contributing to both commercial opportunities and strategic capabilities.
With Mission Drishti now successfully in orbit, it is expected to open new possibilities for data-driven decision-making across sectors while reinforcing India’s position as an emerging leader in space innovation.
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