A Bengaluru-based space technology company is making history as it prepares to launch India’s most ambitious private satellite project. GalaxEye, a promising startup in the country’s growing space sector, has announced plans to deploy “Drishti,” a groundbreaking 160-kilogram commercial satellite, during the first quarter of 2026. This milestone represents a significant advancement for India’s private space industry and positions the nation as a competitive player in the global satellite market.
The upcoming mission will utilize SpaceX’s launch services, demonstrating the international collaboration driving India’s space ambitions. GalaxEye’s co-founder and CEO Suyash Singh has confirmed that the company has successfully secured a launch slot for this historic mission, stating that current market conditions present an optimal opportunity for space ventures.
Revolutionary SyncFused OptoSAR Technology Sets New Standards
Drishti will feature GalaxEye’s proprietary SyncFused OptoSAR imaging technology, which represents a first-of-its-kind innovation in the satellite industry. This advanced system combines optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data synchronously on a single platform, creating unprecedented capabilities for Earth observation and analysis.
The private satellite measures approximately one cubic meter in size and includes a deployable antenna extending three-and-a-half meters. This sophisticated design enables the satellite to capture imagery at an impressive 1.5-meter resolution while maintaining a global revisit time of seven to ten days. According to Singh, this resolution level achieved through multisensor fusion technology will create numerous new applications across various industries.
Wide-Ranging Applications Across Multiple Sectors
The versatile capabilities of this private satellite will serve diverse commercial and governmental needs. Border surveillance operations will benefit from the enhanced monitoring capabilities, while disaster management teams will gain access to real-time environmental data for emergency response planning. Defense applications will utilize the satellite’s advanced imaging for strategic purposes.
Infrastructure monitoring represents another crucial application area, enabling utilities companies to track and maintain their networks more effectively. Agricultural sectors will access valuable data for crop monitoring and yield optimization. Financial institutions and insurance companies will also leverage the satellite’s capabilities for risk assessment and property evaluation purposes.
Extensive Testing Program Validates Technology Readiness
GalaxEye has conducted comprehensive testing to ensure the reliability of their private satellite technology. The company has completed approximately 500 aerial flights using various platforms, including drones, Cessna aircraft, and high-altitude testing systems. This extensive validation program demonstrates the company’s commitment to technical excellence and mission success.
Additionally, the team has gained valuable experience through a previous payload launch aboard ISRO’s PSLV under the POEM mission. This prior space experience provides crucial insights for the upcoming deployment of Drishti and strengthens confidence in the mission’s success potential.
The launch of India’s largest private satellite marks a transformative moment for the country’s space industry, showcasing the innovative capabilities emerging from India’s startup ecosystem and positioning the nation for continued growth in the commercial space sector.
