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In a historic leap for India’s private space industry, the Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye successfully launched “Mission Drishti” on May 3, 2026. The 190-kilogram satellite, which is India’s largest privately developed Earth observation craft, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. Mission Drishti features the world’s first OptoSAR technology, which uniquely combines high-resolution optical sensors with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) on a single platform. This breakthrough allows the satellite to capture crystal-clear images of the Earth’s surface regardless of cloud cover, weather conditions, or time of day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a testament to the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative and the growing prowess of Indian space-tech startups. The data gathered by Mission Drishti will be used for critical applications in disaster management, maritime surveillance, and precision agriculture. GalaxEye, founded by alumni of IIT Madras, has partnered with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to distribute this high-quality imagery to global clients. This mission marks a shift in the Indian space ecosystem, where private players are now leading complex, world-first technological innovations. Experts believe this success will attract significant venture capital into the Indian aerospace sector, further challenging the global dominance of traditional space agencies. The satellite has already reached its intended orbit and has begun transmitting its first sets of calibration data to ground stations in India.
