Mission Drishti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the founders and the entire team of Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye on the successful launch of Mission Drishti. Hailing the mission as a major achievement of India's space journey, PM Modi said that Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite, serves as a testament to the youth's passion for innovation and nation-building.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the prime minister wrote, "Mission Drishti by GalaxEye marks a major achievement in our space journey. 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."

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GalaxEye's Mission Drishti Satellite Launched Aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 Rocket From California

The Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye on Sunday launched Mission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite and the largest privately-built satellite in India, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California, USA.

Named after the Sanskrit word for 'vision', the satellite is designed to "see in all conditions". It integrates both electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors into a single system, news agency PTI reported.

Key Highlight Of Drishti Satellite

The Drishti satellite is designed to capture clear images of Earth regardless of cloud cover, darkness, or inclement weather. While standard optical satellites are often unable to function due to cloud cover, Drishti operates seamlessly in all conditions.

This capability is particularly vital for tropical nations like India, where persistent cloud cover is a frequent obstacle. According to a study, approximately 70 per cent of the Earth's surface is typically covered by clouds. By fusing electro-optical (EO) and SAR technologies, Drishti delivers highly accurate, reliable, and useful data to users at all times, regardless of environmental conditions.

Boost To Defence And Disaster Management

The Drishti satellite is designed to serve a broad range of sectors, including border surveillance, defence, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, and insurance. Previously, India relied on foreign satellites for imagery during military operations.

As recent global conflicts have highlighted the importance of independent satellite data access, Drishti provides India with a sovereign alternative. Weighing approximately 190 kilograms, the satellite currently produces high-resolution images up to 1.5 meters. These are plans to improve its capability to 0.5 in the future.

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Future Expansion And AI Integration

The launch of Mission Drishti marks the first step towards a broader vision. GalaxEye plans to expand this network by launching eight to twelve additional satellites over the next four years. The satellite incorporates artificial intelligence (AI), which allows it to process data directly in space and provide useful information faster.