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 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.
