Indian space startup GalaxEye is preparing to launch its groundbreaking multi-sensor Earth observation (EO) satellite, Drishti, in collaboration with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The mission is set for mid-2025, as revealed by Pranit Mehta, one of the company’s five co-founders and an IIT-Madras alumnus, during an exclusive interview with The Economic Times. Headquartered in Bengaluru and incubated at IIT-Madras, GalaxEye aims to become a key player in the satellite data industry.

Details of the Drishti Satellite

“This 150-kg, high-resolution, indigenously-developed satellite will be the first of a planned constellation of five. By this time next year, we’ll already be in space,” Mehta said. The Drishti satellite will be transported to the US for its final launch preparations.

“Our goal is to provide data solutions across various altitudes, delivering unmatched Earth observation insights,” he added.

Features and Capabilities

The Drishti satellite is designed to capture high-resolution imagery and will integrate advanced sensors for comprehensive data collection. It aims to serve various sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

Strategic Shift to SpaceX

GalaxEye initially considered launching Drishti through ISRO’s spaceport but faced timeline challenges. “We are still in discussions with ISRO, but for this mission, we have finalized SpaceX. We’ll be the first Indian startup to launch via SpaceX, which feels like coming full circle since we were the Asian finalists in the SpaceX Hyperloop Competition back in 2019,” Mehta shared.

Significance of the Collaboration

Partnering with SpaceX not only provides access to reliable launch capabilities but also positions GalaxEye within a broader ecosystem of innovative space technology. This collaboration underscores the growing trend of private enterprises leveraging established aerospace companies for satellite deployment.

Infosys Joins the Mission

In September, Indian IT giant Infosys acquired a minority stake in GalaxEye for ₹17 crore, signaling a strategic partnership. Mehta emphasized the importance of Infosys’ involvement, particularly for managing the vast amounts of data the satellite will generate once in orbit.

“Having Infosys on board is critical. Instead of building IT solutions from scratch, we’ll leverage their expertise in data processing and signal management to develop downstream applications. With Infosys’ global reach and industry knowledge, we aim to maximize the satellite’s capabilities and serve a variety of sectors,” Mehta explained.

Benefits of Collaboration with Infosys

The partnership with Infosys enables GalaxEye to tap into advanced data analytics and processing capabilities, ensuring that they can handle large datasets effectively. This collaboration is expected to enhance the overall value proposition of Drishti by providing actionable insights across multiple industries.

Market Context and Future Prospects

With this ambitious collaboration and innovative technology, GalaxEye is poised to redefine Earth observation, combining advanced satellite data with strategic industry partnerships. The Indian space tech sector is rapidly evolving, with increased government support encouraging private players to enter the market.

Growth Opportunities

India’s satellite services market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates indicating it could reach $1.9 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 36%. GalaxEye’s focus on emerging technologies aligns well with these market trends.

Conclusion

As GalaxEye prepares for the launch of Drishti via SpaceX, it stands at the forefront of innovation in Earth observation technology. The combination of advanced sensor capabilities and strategic partnerships positions GalaxEye as a significant player in the satellite data industry.

With continued support from investors like Infosys and collaborations with established aerospace firms like SpaceX, GalaxEye aims to deliver transformative solutions that address pressing global challenges related to environmental monitoring and resource management. As they move forward with their mission, all eyes will be on how Drishti can contribute valuable insights into our planet’s health and sustainability.