Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch of Mission Drishti, the world’s first OptoSAR satellite developed by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye Space. The satellite integrates optical and radar sensors, enabling high-resolution, all-weather imaging powered by onboard AI, marking a breakthrough in India’s private space sector.
Mission Drishti was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 on May 3, 2026. PM Modi congratulated the team, calling it a proud moment for India’s innovation ecosystem. The mission strengthens India’s capabilities in defense, disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring while reducing reliance on foreign Earth observation data.
Technological Innovation
Mission Drishti is the world’s first satellite to combine Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with optical sensors on a single platform. Weighing 160 kg, it delivers 1.5-meter resolution imaging with 24×7 monitoring capacity. AI-driven analytics further enhance precision, making it a game-changer in satellite imaging.
Strategic Significance
The mission supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, positioning India as a global leader in private satellite technology. GalaxEye plans to deploy a constellation of 8–10 satellites over the next four years, creating a robust global observation network.
Key highlights
PM Modi applauds Mission Drishti launch
World’s first OptoSAR satellite integrating radar and optical sensors