India’s private space sector has achieved a major milestone with the launch of ‘Drishti’, the country’s largest privately built Earth observation satellite by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye. The satellite was successfully placed into orbit on May 3, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California.
What makes Drishti unique is its OptoSAR technology, a first-of-its-kind system that combines optical imaging with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This allows the satellite to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day, overcoming limitations of traditional satellites.
Weighing around 190 kg, Drishti is not just a technological breakthrough but also a symbol of India’s rapidly growing private space ecosystem. It enhances capabilities in sectors like defence surveillance, agriculture monitoring, disaster management, and urban planning.
The launch marks a turning point for India’s space ambitions, highlighting how startups are now playing a key role alongside government agencies. With Drishti, India steps closer to becoming a global leader in advanced Earth observation and geospatial intelligence.
