Mission Drishti Launched: India’s First OptoSAR Satellite Enters Orbit

Introduction: A Milestone for India’s Private Space Sector

On 3 May 2026, Mission Drishti, the first OptoSAR satellite in the world, has been launched by GalaxEye.

The satellite weighing 190-kg took off on a Falcon 9 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

It is the biggest privately developed Earth observation satellite of India. It is a significant leap in the development of space potential in India.

What is Special about Mission Drishti?

Mission Drishti involves a new technology which is known as OptoSAR . This system is a combination of two types of sensors:

• Electro-Optical (EO) sensors
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

EO sensors take pictures in visible and infrared light. SAR involves microwave signals which are used to take images.

Together, they provide:

• Day/night imaging.
• All-weather observation
• High accuracy data

The combination of these two factors renders the satellite very sophisticated.

Understanding OptoSAR Technology

The OptoSAR is a combination imaging system.

EO Sensors:

• Capture high-resolution images
• Prefer working when the weather is clear.
• Give natural colour and details.

SAR Sensors:

• Toil in the clouds and rain.
• Operate in darkness
• Give structural and surface information.

Mission Drishti eliminates restrictions of individual systems by combining both.

Contribution in Earth Observation.

Mission Drishti is a satellite used to monitor the earth . These satellites are watched over the planet by the satellites.

They collect data on:

• Land and agriculture
• Water bodies
• Weather patterns
• Urban infrastructure

This information is utilized in the planning and decision making.

Important Mission Drishti Applications.

Mission Drishti is used both by civilians and defence.

Major applications include:

Agriculture: Crop tracking and estimation of yield.
Disaster management: Tracking of flood and cyclone.
Maritime Surveillance: Tracking of ships and coastal security.
Urban planning: Infrastructure development.
Defence: Strategic surveillance

This renders it a dual use satellite.