Recently, India’s largest privately developed Earth observation satellite, Mission Drishti, was successfully launched aboard Space X Falcon 9 from Vandenberg, USA.
UPSC Coaching Classes
About Mission Drishti
- Mission Drishti is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, integrating Electro-Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging for advanced Earth observation.
- Launched by: Developed by GalaxEye and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, marking a milestone in India’s private space ecosystem.
- GalaxEye is a Karnataka based private space technology firm focused on advanced Earth observation solutions.
- It specialises in multi-sensor satellite systems, particularly OptoSAR technology.
- Components of Mission Drishti
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): An active microwave sensor operating in X-band with VV polarization, enabling high-resolution (up to 0.9 m) imaging in all-weather, day-and-night conditions using Stripmap and Spotlight modes.- Multispectral Imaging Sensor (MSI): A passive optical sensor capturing data across seven spectral bands (including Coastal Blue, Red Edge, and Near-Infrared) with 3.6 m resolution, useful for environmental and agricultural analysis.
- OptoSAR Fusion Payload: An integrated system combining SAR and MSI data in a single pass to generate 1.8 m fused, analysis-ready imagery, eliminating post-processing and enhancing data accuracy.
- Communication Antenna: A high-gain system ensuring efficient real-time data transmission from satellite to ground stations.
- Star Tracker: A precision optical device that determines satellite orientation by tracking stars, enabling accurate imaging.
- Solar Panels: High-efficiency photovoltaic units providing continuous onboard power supply.
About OptoSAR Technology
- Dual-Sensor Integration: Combines optical imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) on a single satellite platform.
- Optical Imaging Capability: Captures high-resolution, color images with clear visual details, but is limited by clouds and darkness.
- SAR Functionality: Uses radar signals to generate images in all-weather, day-and-night conditions, though harder to interpret.
- Simultaneous Data Capture: Both sensors image the same location at the same time, avoiding mismatches in angle or timing.
- Fused High-Quality Output: Produces clear, reliable, and analysis-ready imagery combining optical clarity with radar strength.
- Enhanced Monitoring Capability: Provides ~1.8 m resolution, enabling precise tracking of land, water, and infrastructure.
- Relevance for India: Ensures consistent monitoring during monsoons, aiding agriculture, disaster management, defence, and coastal surveillance.
|
- Key Features
-
- OptoSAR Technology: Combines Electro-Optical (EO) and SAR sensors in a single platform for enhanced imaging capability.
- All-Weather Imaging: Ensures uninterrupted data collection irrespective of cloud cover or weather conditions.
- Day-and-Night Surveillance: Provides continuous monitoring capability, overcoming limitations of traditional optical satellites.
- It will follow a Sun-synchronous Lower Earth Orbit (LEO)
- High-Frequency Data Acquisition: Enables consistent and reliable imaging across diverse terrains and environmental conditions.
Click to Know UPSC OnlyIAS Coaching Centres
Significance
- Strategic & Defence Utility: Supports surveillance, border monitoring, and maritime domain awareness with dual-use applications.
- Civilian Applications: Enhances agriculture planning, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, and urban development.
- Boost to Private Space Sector: Demonstrates growing capabilities of India’s private players under the guidance of IN-SPACe.
- Strengthening Space Economy: Positions India as a competitive provider of high-quality Earth observation data in global markets.
4 May 2026
.png)
Current Affairs
GS Foundation
Optional Course
Combo Courses
Degree Program
