GalaxEye launches Mission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite
Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye launched Mission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite combining optical and synthetic aperture radar imaging and India's largest privately built satellite, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg, California, on 3 May 2026.
Summary
Mission Drishti, built by Bengaluru-based space startup GalaxEye, was launched on 3 May 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, California. The 190-kg satellite is the world's first OptoSAR satellite, integrating electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors on a single platform for all-weather, day-and-night imaging, and is the largest privately built satellite in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the launch a major achievement in India's space journey, and Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the GalaxEye team.
Key facts
- Satellite
- Mission Drishti – world's first OptoSAR satellite
- Builder
- GalaxEye, Bengaluru
- Launch
- 3 May 2026, SpaceX Falcon 9, Vandenberg (California)
- Mass
- 190 kg; largest privately built satellite in India
- Sensors
- Electro-optical + SAR on one platform
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which Indian space startup built Mission Drishti, launched on 3 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — GalaxEye
Mission Drishti was built by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye.
Mission Drishti is described as the world's first OptoSAR satellite. What does it combine on a single platform?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Electro-optical sensors and synthetic aperture radar
Mission Drishti integrates electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors on one platform for all-weather, day-and-night imaging.
Aboard which launch vehicle was Mission Drishti launched on 3 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — SpaceX Falcon 9
Mission Drishti was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg, California.
Consider the following statements about Mission Drishti: 1. The satellite weighs about 190 kg. 2. It was launched from Sriharikota. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: the 190-kg satellite was launched from Vandenberg, California, not Sriharikota.