GalaxEye Develops Advanced Multi-Sensor Satellite for Enhanced Geospatial Data

GalaxEye Develops Advanced Multi-Sensor Satellite for Enhanced Geospatial Data

GalaxEye, a rising Indian space-tech startup, has announced the development of its second satellite, which is expected to significantly improve the availability of high-resolution geospatial data. Scheduled for launch in late 2026 or early 2027, the new satellite will feature a near 0.5-meter resolution, enhancing capabilities for various sectors including defense, disaster management, and urban planning.

Technological Advancements

The upcoming satellite marks a notable technological advancement for GalaxEye. It is being developed entirely in-house and will offer sharper imaging along with a rapid revisit time of less than three days. This capability is essential for monitoring dynamic situations such as natural disasters and urban infrastructure changes. The improved resolution will allow for the identification of smaller objects, which is particularly important for military surveillance and insurance assessments following catastrophic events.

This satellite will build upon the foundation laid by GalaxEye's first satellite, the 'Drishti Mission', which is set to launch in 2024 with a resolution of 1.25 meters. The Drishti Mission will serve as a proof of concept for the company's proprietary technology stack, which has been tested through extensive drone flights and other missions.

Multi-Sensor Technology

Central to GalaxEye's innovation is its development of multi-sensor satellite imaging. The company is working on the world's first satellite that combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and multispectral optical sensors on a single platform. This "SyncFusion" technology aims to overcome the limitations of traditional optical satellites, which are often affected by weather conditions and daylight. SAR technology, capable of operating day or night and penetrating clouds, will provide continuous imaging capabilities.

The potential applications of this fused data are extensive, ranging from military asset detection to monitoring agricultural health and urbanization. GalaxEye has already demonstrated its SAR capabilities through an indigenous drone-based system.

Future Plans and Funding

GalaxEye's vision extends beyond a single satellite, aiming to establish a constellation of five satellites. This network will enable the company to capture imagery of any point on Earth within 24 hours, facilitating near-real-time monitoring for various industries, including precision farming and maritime tracking.

To support its ambitious plans, GalaxEye has raised $14 million in funding from various investors, including MountTech Growth Fund and Infosys. The company has also formed strategic partnerships, such as with US-based SkyFi, to integrate its multi-sensor data into user-friendly platforms, and with impulso.space for the launch of the Drishti Mission via SpaceX.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) allows GalaxEye access to ISRO's laboratories and testing facilities, further bolstering its capabilities.

Conclusion

GalaxEye's development of a more advanced satellite reflects the rapid progress of India's private space industry. By focusing on high-resolution, all-weather geospatial data, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the global Earth observation market. The integration of advanced space technology with artificial intelligence is expected to revolutionize decision-making across various sectors, contributing to India's 'Make in India for the World' initiative and democratizing access to valuable geospatial insights.