Indian space technology start-up PierSight launches the Varuna satellite. Varuna, PierSight’s first marine surveillance satellite that makes use of cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, is scheduled to launch. With its round-the-clock all-weather monitoring capabilities, this satellite will be able to keep an eye on maritime activity at any time of day or in any weather.
The launch is planned for December 30, 2024, as a secondary payload on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform atop ISRO’s PSLV-C60 mission.
Varuna wants to create a complete constellation of satellites that integrates Automatic Identification System (AIS) and SAR technology. With revisit durations of up to 30 minutes, this network is intended to provide comprehensive ocean coverage, greatly enhancing monitoring capabilities for a number of industries, including shipping, environmental protection, and fisheries.
By operating at night and penetrating cloud cover, the satellite’s SAR technology fills important gaps left by conventional optical satellites.
PierSight has already obtained $50 million letters of intent from a number of clients, such as PinPoint Earth and Global Fishing Watch. In order to completely operationalize its marine surveillance constellation, the corporation intends to deploy 32 satellites in total by 2028.
During the same mission, two other businesses will test green propulsion technologies in addition to PierSight’s launch. These include Bellatrix Aerospace in Bengaluru and Manastu Space Technologies in Mumbai, both of which are developing cutting-edge satellite propulsion systems.
