Indian startup’s ‘Drishti’ satellite launched aboard SpaceX rocket

Bengaluru-based space start-up GalaxEye on Sunday successfully launched its “Mission Drishti” satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from California.
Mission Drishti is described as the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, integrating electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors into a single platform. While EO sensors capture high-resolution images in daylight and clear weather, SAR enables imaging in all-weather and round-the-clock conditions using radar pulses.
Founder and CEO Suyash Singh said the satellite was now in orbit and the company’s immediate focus was on completing its commissioning phase, adding that strong global interest had already emerged for its data capabilities.
The company said the satellite would overcome limitations of conventional Earth observation systems by enabling reliable data collection across varied environmental conditions.
As a dual-use platform, it is expected to support applications in defence, agriculture, disaster management, maritime monitoring and infrastructure planning.
Mission Drishti is also expected to complement India’s expanding Earth observation ecosystem, which currently includes multiple active satellites under national programmes.
GalaxEye aims to scale the project into a constellation of 10 satellites by 2030.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the launch, calling it a major milestone in India’s space journey and a reflection of the innovation and ambition of the country’s youth.
He congratulated the team and extended his best wishes for future success.