Space
Mission Drishti
- Context : Mission Drishti is the world’s first satellite to integrate Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single platform, enabling all-weather, day-and-night imaging.
- Developed by Bengaluru-based start-up GalaxEye, it is India’s largest privately developed earth observation satellite (190 kg).
- Successfully launched aboard Falcon 9 by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
About Mission Drishti
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- It is the world’s first “OptoSAR” satellite, marking a major technological advancement in Earth observation.
- OptoSAR technology integrates Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single platform.
- The OptoSAR technology overcomes limitations of conventional satellites by ensuring reliable and continuous data acquisition across diverse environmental conditions.
- EO sensors provide high-resolution, visually interpretable images but are limited by cloud cover and poor lighting conditions.
- SAR sensors enable all-weather, day-and-night imaging but require complex interpretation.
- Drishti overcomes these limitations by enabling simultaneous, co-registered acquisition of optical and radar imagery of the same location.
- It eliminates the need for post-processing fusion of data from multiple satellites, improving efficiency and accuracy.
- The satellite uses proprietary synchronization technology to align different sensor geometries for simultaneous observation.
- It incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate optical-like images from SAR data, enhancing usability under adverse conditions.
- Particularly significant for tropical regions like India, where persistent cloud cover affects conventional optical imaging.
- Key applications include Agriculture monitoring, Disaster management, Urban planning, Infrastructure mapping, Maritime surveillance, and Border security.
- Ensures continuous, reliable, and consistent Earth observation data with improved interpretability.
- Reduces dependence on multiple satellite platforms for comprehensive imaging.
- Represents a major milestone in India’s private space sector, complementing the role of Indian Space Research Organisation.
- Aims to build a constellation of 10 satellites by 2030 to establish a self-reliant Earth observation infrastructure for India.
