GalaxEye, an Indian space-tech start-up, has received a US patent for its patented OptoSAR imaging technology, marking a big step forward in its efforts to establish a 30-satellite Earth observation constellation, according to the Economic Times.
The patent expands the company’s intellectual property portfolio and lays the groundwork for growing its next generation of satellites. According to GalaxEye, the technology combines optical vision with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), allowing for the acquisition of precisely aligned Earth observation data that is useful even in the presence of cloud cover, smoke, poor weather, and darkness.Geographic Reference
The proprietary architecture synchronizes optical and microwave sensors at the system level, allowing for simultaneous, spatially and temporally coordinated data gathering. This addresses a long-standing issue in the Earth observation sector, where optical and radar pictures are frequently taken independently and joined later during post-processing, potentially resulting in temporal gaps and spatial misalignment.
Pranit Mehta, GalaxEye’s Co-Founder and Vice-President of Sales, described the patent as a key component of the company’s future strategy. He stated that the technology will help to construct larger satellites and eventually enable the deployment of the company’s planned constellation, while also guaranteeing that vital technologies are produced domestically rather than licensed from foreign vendors.
The breakthrough comes as the worldwide commercial satellite imaging market continues to grow fast. According to industry estimates, the market will be worth around $6.55 billion in 2024, with projections indicating that it could approach $20 billion by 2033 as demand for high-quality Earth observation data grows across different industries.
GalaxEye evolved from the IIT Madras environment and has become one of India’s most highly watched commercial space startups. Its technology has a wide range of applications in defense, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, insurance, maritime intelligence, and disaster management, all of which need near-real-time and all-weather photography.
In May, the business launched Mission Drishti, its first operational OptoSAR satellite, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite served as a key technological demonstration for GalaxEye and, weighing approximately 190 kg, was one of the most significant privately manufactured Earth observation spacecraft produced in India.Defense Policy Briefs
However, the mission suffered a setback in July when a solar storm damaged a vital onboard equipment, causing a loss of connection with the spacecraft. Despite the mishap, the satellite met about 85 percent of its commissioning objectives and confirmed important features of the OptoSAR concept.
The disruption hampered the company’s ability to commence commercial service delivery, despite the fact that it had already developed a network of channel partners in over 80 countries. These collaborations were meant to help with the expansion of imaging services to foreign consumers in the government, commercial, and strategic sectors.
Looking ahead, GalaxEye intends to launch two larger and more capable satellites in the next two years. These next-generation spacecraft are projected to improve image capability and produce higher-resolution data products, advancing the company’s commercial Earth observation goals.
The startup has raised $21 million (about ₹176 crore) to support technological development, satellite deployment, and constellation expansion.
The newly issued US patent builds on earlier protection gained in India and validates technology described by business leadership as an indigenous innovation developed solely in India.
The invention is expected to help GalaxEye compete in the increasingly crucial global Earth observation market and develop a multi-satellite network capable of providing constant, all-weather intelligence from space.
