Launch · Government, Defense & Space

GalaxEye achieves world's first fusion of SAR and optical imagery in orbit

By Startup Enthusiast · 24 January 2025

What they do

GalaxEye is a spacetech startup that builds satellites for Earth observation

It deployed the GLX-SQ payload on ISRO's POEM platform, fusing SAR and optical imagery for the first time in orbit

The company is now preparing Mission Drishti, India's largest privately built satellite, for launch in Q1 2026

GalaxEye successfully deployed its GLX-SQ payload on ISRO's PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform.
The payload achieved the world's first fusion of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imagery in orbit.
GLX-SQ can acquire data, process it in real time, communicate efficiently, and manage power.
It converts analogue signals to digital format in under 10 minutes.
The fused SAR and optical imagery serves defence, agriculture, and disaster response needs.
GalaxEye is now preparing Mission Drishti, a multi-sensor satellite for all-weather, high-resolution imaging.
Mission Drishti is the world's first commercial multi-sensor satellite combining SAR and MSI on a single platform.
It is also India's largest privately built satellite and will offer the highest-resolution imagery from any private player in India.

This launch marks a technological first in satellite imaging by fusing two sensor types in orbit.
The fusion capability can provide clear imagery in any weather, day or night, which is critical for defence and disaster response.
Mission Drishti will set a new benchmark for private satellite capabilities in India.

GalaxEye is a spacetech startup focused on satellite-based Earth observation.
Its GLX-SQ payload demonstrated data acquisition, real-time processing, efficient communication, and advanced power management.
Mission Drishti will carry an X-Band SAR sensor (up to 0.9 m resolution) and a 7-band MSI sensor (3.6 m GSD), with fused data resolution of 1.8 m.
The company has acquired StarOps (details not provided).

GalaxEye is preparing for Mission Drishti, a multi-sensor satellite delivering all-weather, high-resolution imaging.
Mission Drishti is planned for launch in Q1 2026.

Product: OptoSAR satellites combining optical and synthetic aperture radar for all-weather day-and-night Earth observation capabilities
Customers: Government agencies, defense establishments, agriculture, insurance and disaster response sectors globally
How it makes money: B2G and B2B model providing satellite Earth observation data and services
What sets it apart: Proprietary OptoSAR technology enabling weather-agnostic imaging with 66% indigenization and reduced global supply chain dependence
Operations: Vertically integrated satellite design and manufacturing through acquisition of StarOps with in-house engineering capabilities