Latest inventions in science and technology e-MERLIN Context : A team of astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), carried out observations of nearby galaxies using the e-MERLIN radio telescope array. The study represents one of the first statistically complete, high-resolution radio surveys designed to detect faint black hole activity in nearby galaxies. About e-MERLIN e-MERLIN (Enhanced Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network) is a network of seven radio telescopes spread over 217 km across Great Britain. The telescopes are linked through a high-speed optical fibre network to the Jodrell Bank Observatory, which serves as its central headquarters. Unlike optical telescopes that rely on visible light, radio telescopes can observe invisible gas clouds, enabling them to study regions of space hidden behind cosmic dust. e-MERLIN provides an angular resolution that is comparable to that of the Hubble Space Telescope, making it highly effective for detailed astronomical observations. It also serves as the core component of the European Very Long Baseline Interferometer Network (EVN). European Very Long Baseline Interferometer Network (EVN) The EVN is an international network of radio telescopes located mainly across Europe and Asia. By combining observations from multiple telescopes, it performs extremely high-angular-resolution studies of radio-emitting celestial objects, allowing astronomers to examine distant cosmic sources in great detail. Space Mission Drishti Context: The Bengaluru-based space start-up GalaxEye has lost contact with Mission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite, as it encountered an anomaly following a geomagnetic solar storm. About Mission Drishti Mission Drishti was launched on May 3, 2026. Mission Drishti is the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite. It is India’s largest privately built satellite and the highest-resolution satellite developed in the country. The mission is being developed by GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based space startup. Key…
SCIENCE
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.
