GalaxEye Launches World’s First OptoSAR Satellite for Mission Drishti

Spacetech startup GalaxEye has launched its first OptoSAR satellite as part of its ‘Mission Drishti’ initiative, a development the company claims is a world first. This satellite integrates electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors onto a single platform, enabling continuous, all-weather imaging capabilities. Weighing 190 kg, it stands as India’s largest privately developed earth observation satellite.

The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California and achieved successful separation approximately an hour after takeoff, according to the startup’s announcement on X. The OptoSAR satellite is designed to combine optical and radar data streams, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems that rely on only one type of sensor. This integration allows for more accurate and consistent data acquisition across varied environmental conditions.

“With the satellite now successfully in orbit, our immediate focus is on completing its commissioning. As we move through this phase, we are already witnessing strong global interest in the differentiated datasets enabled by our OptoSAR payload,” stated GalaxEye cofounder and CEO Suyash Singh. The company has noted significant interest from international government and commercial entities seeking high-frequency earth observation data.

Initial imagery from the GalaxEye OptoSAR satellite is expected to be delivered to customers within the coming weeks. Its applications span critical sectors such as defense, agriculture, disaster management, maritime monitoring, and infrastructure planning. Singh indicated that defense and security agencies are anticipated to be the primary early revenue contributors.

“Mission Drishti could mark an inflection point in the commercialisation of private space tech in India. Until now, much of the work was experimental and prototype-driven,” Singh added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the satellite launch, describing the mission as a major milestone in India’s space exploration journey. He remarked on X, “The successful launch of the world’s first OptoSAR satellite and the largest privately-built satellite in India is a testament to our youth’s passion for innovation and nation-building.”

The GalaxEye satellite underwent nearly five years of research and development, including extensive environmental testing and performance benchmarking. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) supported the project by providing access to testing infrastructure and necessary launch authorizations.

“As more Indian space companies demonstrate their capabilities through real missions and engagement with global customers, confidence in India’s space ecosystem will continue to strengthen, creating greater demand both in India and overseas,” commented IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka.

From Drone to Satellite Constellation

Founded in 2021 by IIT Madras alumni, GalaxEye has focused on developing its indigenous OpSAR satellite in-house at its Bengaluru headquarters. The startup’s multi-sensor earth observation satellites are engineered to provide high-resolution imaging and geospatial intelligence for various sectors.

GalaxEye’s journey began with the development of the country’s first DroneSAR in 2022, which successfully validated SAR technology at an altitude of 2 km. This was followed by the world’s first HAPS SAR, reaching an altitude of 20 km. In 2024, the company achieved in-orbit validation when its payload was flown aboard ISRO’s POEM mission to an altitude of 500 km.

To date, GalaxEye has secured $20 million in funding from investors including Infosys, ideaForge, and Zerodha’s Rainmatter. The startup raised $4.8 million in its Series A funding round earlier this year from investors such as Mounttech Growth Fund, Anicut Capital, Navam Venture Fund, and Faad Capital.

Mission Drishti is envisioned as a constellation of at least 10 satellites, with GalaxEye planning to launch them over the next two and a half years. The total size of the constellation is still under consideration, according to Singh.

The startup has also partnered with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, for the global distribution of its satellite imagery. GalaxEye’s constellation is part of ISRO’s broader plan to launch 29 earth observation satellites aimed at providing advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to both domestic and international clients.

GalaxEye is among a growing number of Indian spacetech startups contributing to the nation’s nascent space sector, which has recently opened up to private enterprises. Approximately 200 private space startups have emerged, focusing on areas such as satellites, launch vehicles, communication infrastructure, and downstream data services. Consequently, funding in India’s spacetech sector saw a significant increase, surging 94% to $157 million in 2025 from $81 million in 2024.