Why is Mission Drishti Satellite in News?

The Mission Drishti Satellite has gained attention after its successful launch by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye. It was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX from Vandenberg, California. This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s private space sector, showcasing cutting-edge Earth observation technology.

• The satellite is considered India’s largest privately developed Earth observation satellite

What is Mission Drishti Satellite?

Mission Drishti Satellite is an advanced Earth observation satellite that uses OptoSAR technology, a unique combination of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical (EO) sensors. This hybrid system enables high-quality imaging in all weather conditions.

Key Features of Mission Drishti Satellite

• OptoSAR Technology: First satellite globally to combine SAR and EO sensors on a single platform.
• All-Weather Capability: Can capture images even through clouds and during night-time.
• High Resolution: Provides images with a resolution of 1.2 to 1.8 metres.
• Orbit Altitude: Operates at approximately 500 km above Earth.
• Weight: Around 190 kg, making it the largest private satellite in India.

What is OptoSAR Technology?

Understanding SAR and EO Sensors

• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Uses microwave signals to capture images regardless of weather or light conditions.
• Electro-Optical (EO): Uses visible and infrared light for high-resolution daytime imaging.

The integration of both technologies in Mission Drishti allows seamless data collection, improving accuracy and reliability.

Advantages of OptoSAR Technology

• Continuous monitoring in all weather conditions
• Improved disaster management capabilities
• Enhanced border surveillance and security
• Better agricultural and environmental monitoring

Significance of Mission Drishti Satellite

The launch of Mission Drishti Satellite highlights India’s growing capabilities in the private space sector.

Strategic Importance

• Strengthens India’s position in space technology innovation
• Reduces dependence on foreign satellite data
• Supports national security and disaster management

Economic Importance

• Boosts the NewSpace ecosystem in India
• Encourages private investments in the space industry
• Opens opportunities for commercial satellite services

About GalaxEye

GalaxEye is a Bengaluru-based startup focused on advanced Earth observation technologies. It aims to provide high-resolution, real-time data using innovative satellite systems like Mission Drishti.

The company is part of India’s emerging private space ecosystem, supported by policy reforms and organisations like IN-SPACe.

Practice Questions

1. Which company developed the Mission Drishti Satellite?
   a) ISRO
   b) DRDO
   c) GalaxEye
   d) HAL
2. What is the key feature of Mission Drishti Satellite?
   a) Nuclear propulsion
   b) OptoSAR technology
   c) Cryogenic engine
   d) GPS navigation
3. At what altitude does Mission Drishti Satellite operate?
   a) 200 km
   b) 500 km
   c) 1000 km
   d) 1500 km
4. What does SAR stand for?
   a) Satellite Analysis Radar
   b) Synthetic Aperture Radar
   c) Space Application Radar
   d) Signal Amplification Radar
5. Mission Drishti Satellite is important for which sector?
   a) Agriculture only
   b) Defence only
   c) Space and Earth observation
   d) Banking

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