Q. Mention salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world’s first satellite of its kind?

Model Answer: 

Mission Drishti is India’s indigenous Earth Observation (EO) satellite developed by spacetech startup GalaxEye (incubated at IIT Madras), launched under the IN-SPACe framework to provide synchronized, high-resolution geospatial intelligence.

Salient Features & Imaging Techniques

• Hybrid Sensor Architecture: Integrates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Multispectral (Optical) sensors on a single micro-satellite platform.
• Active SAR Imaging: Employs microwave signals to achieve all-weather, day-and-night imaging, penetrating dense cloud cover, smoke, and haze.
• Passive Optical Imaging: Captures visible and near-infrared bands to deliver detailed spectral signatures and high radiometric clarity.
• On-Board Edge-AI Processing: Incorporates edge-compute modules to calibrate and correlate raw multi-modal data streams prior to downlink.
• Compact Smallsat Bus: Utilizes an optimized Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) design (sub-150 kg class) for cost-effective Low Earth Orbit (LEO) deployment.

Why It Is Considered the “World’s First of Its Kind”

1. Simultaneous Multi-Sensor Co-Location: World’s first commercial satellite housing both SAR and optical payloads on a single bus, eliminating the need for dual-satellite constellations.
2. Zero-Temporal & Parallax Discrepancy: Captures identical ground coordinates simultaneously, completely removing time-lag errors and angular shifts inherent in multi-satellite cross-registration.
3. Hardware-Level Data Fusion: Produces a fused “Drishti Dataset” combining the structural penetration of radar with the intuitive spectral fidelity of optical imagery.
4. Miniaturization Breakthrough: First successful integration of high-power-demand SAR technology into a compact small-satellite form factor without sacrificing resolution.

Mission Drishti establishes India’s leadership in next-generation Earth Observation, advancing national security, disaster mitigation, and the commercial objectives of the Indian Space Policy 2023.