GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti: World’s First Radar-Optical Satellite Launch in 2026. GalaxEye to Launch World’s First Radar-Optical Satellite: Mission Drishti Set for 2026.
GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti: World’s First Radar-Optical Satellite Launch in 2026
Indian space startup GalaxEye will launch Mission Drishti in 2026, the world’s first satellite combining radar and optical sensors. Learn about its technology, applications, and impact.
Focus on GalaxEye, Mission Drishti, radar-optical satellite, Earth observation, Indian space startup, satellite imaging, SyncFused Opto-SAR
India’s GalaxEye to Launch World’s First Radar-Optical Earth Observation Satellite
In a groundbreaking announcement, Indian space startup GalaxEye revealed plans to launch Mission Drishti, the world’s first Earth observation satellite to integrate synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical sensors on a single platform. Scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026, this mission marks a major milestone in satellite imaging and positions India at the forefront of space innovation.
The satellite, weighing 160 kilograms, is the largest privately-built spacecraft in India and will deliver 1.5-meter spatial resolution imagery. This dual-sensor capability enables all-weather, day-and-night observation, overcoming limitations faced by traditional optical satellites that struggle with cloud cover and darkness.
Mission Drishti: A Technological Breakthrough
At the heart of Mission Drishti is GalaxEye’s proprietary SyncFused Opto-SAR technology, which fuses radar and optical data simultaneously. This innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in Earth observation: the trade-off between visual clarity and environmental adaptability.
“For the first time in the world, we are deploying a satellite that combines multiple sensing technologies on a single platform, enabling us to observe the Earth in ways that were previously impossible,” said Suyash Singh, co-founder and CEO of GalaxEye.
The technology has undergone rigorous validation, including over 500 drone flights and a successful payload test aboard ISRO’s POEM platform in December 2024. This fusion of sensors allows for richer, more actionable data, especially in regions affected by monsoons, natural disasters, or low-light conditions.
Structural Testing and Launch Plans
Mission Drishti recently completed comprehensive structural testing at ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre in October 2025, confirming its readiness for launch. GalaxEye has secured a launch slot aboard a SpaceX mission, further highlighting the startup’s global partnerships and technical credibility.
The satellite’s design and payload have been optimized for high-resolution imaging, with the ability to penetrate cloud cover and operate effectively at night—capabilities that are critical for defense, disaster response, and agricultural monitoring.
Strategic Applications Across Sectors
Mission Drishti is expected to serve a wide range of sectors, including:
- Defense and Border Surveillance: Real-time monitoring of sensitive regions, especially during adverse weather.
- Disaster Management: Rapid assessment of flood zones, landslides, and earthquake-affected areas.
- Agriculture Monitoring: Crop health analysis and irrigation planning, even during cloudy monsoon seasons.
- Financial Risk Assessment: Infrastructure evaluation and environmental risk modeling for insurers and banks.
This versatility makes Mission Drishti a valuable asset for both government agencies and commercial enterprises, offering data that is both timely and reliable.
GalaxEye’s Vision: A Global Constellation
Mission Drishti is just the beginning. GalaxEye plans to deploy a constellation of 8–12 satellites by 2029, aiming to provide near real-time global Earth observation. The company is already developing a second satellite with 0.5-meter resolution, targeting launch in late 2026 or early 2027.
This expansion will allow GalaxEye to compete in high-priority international markets, including the United States, Europe, and West Asia, where demand for high-resolution, multi-sensor satellite data is rapidly growing.
From Hyperloop to Orbit: GalaxEye’s Journey
Founded in 2021 by five IIT Madras alumni, GalaxEye emerged from Team Avishkar Hyperloop, the only Asian finalists in SpaceX’s 2019 Hyperloop competition. Their transition from transportation innovation to space technology reflects the dynamic evolution of India’s startup ecosystem.
GalaxEye is part of India’s booming private space sector, which has grown from just one company in 2014 to over 325 startups by 2025. This growth was catalyzed by the Indian government’s 2020 decision to open space activities to private enterprises, fostering innovation and global competitiveness.
Conclusion: A New Era for Earth Observation
With Mission Drishti, GalaxEye is not just launching a satellite—it’s launching a new era in Earth observation. By combining radar and optical sensors on a single platform, the startup is solving real-world challenges and setting new standards in satellite imaging.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, all eyes are on GalaxEye and its pioneering mission that could redefine how we see—and understand—our planet.
Tags: #GalaxEye #MissionDrishti #SpaceTech #RadarOpticalSatellite #EarthObservation #IndianStartup #ISRO #SpaceX #SatelliteImaging
