Bengaluru-based space-tech startup GalaxEye Space is set to launch Mission Drishti, India’s largest and most advanced private satellite, on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
The 190-kg satellite will be carried into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It is being hailed as a global first for commercial Earth observation due to its unique “OptoSAR” technology, which allows it to see through clouds and darkness with the clarity of a traditional photograph.
1. The Technology: What is OptoSAR?
Traditionally, satellites carry either an optical camera (clear but blocked by clouds/night) or Radar (all-weather but grainy). GalaxEye’s OptoSAR payload fuses both on a single platform.
- Fused Imagery: By capturing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSI) simultaneously, the satellite produces a single, analysis-ready image.
- 1.8m Resolution: It delivers the highest-resolution imagery of any private Indian satellite to date.
- Onboard AI: Powered by an NVIDIA Jetson Orin processor, the satellite features “edge computing,” allowing it to process complex data in space and send back finished insights rather than massive raw files.
2. Strategic Importance
Mission Drishti is designed to solve critical data gaps for both government and commercial sectors in India.
- Defense & Surveillance: High-resolution, all-weather monitoring is a “game changer” for the Indian Army, particularly for border security during the monsoon or at night.
- Disaster Management: The ability to see through thick cloud cover allows for real-time damage assessment during floods and cyclones.
- Agriculture: MSI sensors can detect crop health and soil moisture levels that are invisible to the human eye.
3. Launch & Future Constellation
The launch marks the beginning of GalaxEye’s long-term goal to provide daily global updates.
| Feature | Detail |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| Launch Date | May 3, 2026 |
| Satellite Weight | 190 kg (India’s largest private satellite) |
| Constellation Plan | 10 satellites by 2029 |
- Founders: The company was founded in 2021 by IIT Madras alumni (formerly of Team Avishkar Hyperloop), including CEO Suyash Singh.
- Funding: GalaxEye recently raised $18.8 million in Series A funding, with backers including Infosys, Speciale Invest, and Anicut Capital.