Indian spacetech startup GalaxEye is planning to build a constellation of 30 satellites over the next five years, expanding its ambitions in the global Earth-observation market. The Bengaluru-based company recently secured a US patent for its OptoSAR technology, which combines optical imaging with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) on a single satellite platform.
The technology is designed to overcome limitations faced by conventional optical satellites. Optical cameras can capture highly detailed and visually intuitive images but can be affected by clouds, smoke and darkness. SAR, meanwhile, can operate through cloud cover and without sunlight. By synchronising both systems, GalaxEye aims to produce more reliable Earth-observation data across different weather and lighting conditions.
GalaxEye's technology is already being demonstrated through Mission Drishti, which combines a SAR sensor and a multispectral optical imager on one spacecraft. The company says the system can provide a more consistent view of the same location because both sensors capture data together rather than relying on imagery from separate satellites.
The company's expansion also has government backing. In September, India's Technology Development Board signed a ₹63.84 crore RDI support agreement with GalaxEye for developing next-generation multisensor satellite technology, with a total approved project cost of ₹247.69 crore. The proposed system targets sub-0.5-metre-resolution imaging and applications including surveillance, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring and disaster management.
Comments