• Imaging satellites are typically fitted with either multi-spectral/hyper-spectral optical sensors or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. Both technologies are widely utilized for Earth observation purposes.
• Each of these imaging methods comes with certain drawbacks. Optical images produced through multi-spectral sensors are visually clear and easier to interpret, but their performance is affected during cloudy conditions or at night.
• In contrast, SAR technology can penetrate clouds and provide uninterrupted imaging in all weather conditions, though the resulting images are more complex and require expert analysis, much like X-ray scans.
• Optical and SAR sensors differ significantly in their design and mode of observation. Since they capture Earth from different viewing angles, a mismatch or parallax issue can occur. For example, when positioned side by side, an optical sensor may capture Bengaluru while the SAR sensor simultaneously records imagery from a different location such as Dubai. Additionally, differences in image acquisition timing can create temporal gaps, posing challenges for mission-critical operations.
• To overcome these limitations and produce clearer, more user-friendly satellite imagery, the Indian start-up GalaxEye developed the Drishti satellite.
• This satellite integrates both optical and SAR imaging systems on a single platform and synchronizes their operation to capture the same location simultaneously. As a result, users no longer need to manually align datasets collected from separate satellites.
• The Drishti satellite merges the visual clarity offered by optical imaging with the dependable all-weather capabilities of SAR technology.
• By combining both on a unified platform, it provides reliable, intuitive, and analysis-ready Earth observation data under all weather conditions. The company refers to this integrated innovation as Opto-SAR technology.
• According to the company, advanced AI-driven software operating both onboard the satellite and on the ground performs sub-pixel co-registration and jitter correction. These algorithms ensure that information from both sensors is accurately aligned and processed into a single, integrated dataset.
• This innovation is considered unique because it addresses challenges that are especially significant in tropical countries.
• Historically, most satellite companies have been based in Western nations, where weather conditions are relatively stable and skies are generally clearer.
• Unlike countries such as India, these regions face fewer problems related to persistent cloud cover, reducing the demand for such integrated imaging solution

• Skyroot Aerospace is expected to emerge as the first private Indian firm to launch an orbital rocket, named Vikram-1. This multi-stage launch vehicle uses a combination of solid and liquid propulsion systems and is capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

— A key feature that distinguishes Vikram-1 is its construction using carbon composite materials instead of conventional metals. In addition, the rocket incorporates a fully indigenous 3D-printed engine, which significantly simplifies manufacturing and assembly while reducing production time and costs.

— Skyroot had earlier become the first private Indian company to conduct a successful single-stage sub-orbital launch in 2022, preceding another private player, Agnikul Cosmos. A sub-orbital mission travels at speeds below orbital velocity, allowing the vehicle to enter outer space without achieving a stable orbit around Earth.

• Pixxel announced on May 4 a collaboration with Sarvam AI to create India’s first orbital data-centre satellite, known as The Pathfinder.

— Scheduled to enter orbit by the end of 2026, the 200-kg satellite will carry advanced GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) that will support the training and inference functions of Sarvam AI’s models.

— In contrast to traditional satellite computing systems that depend on low-power processors designed mainly for operational survival, Pathfinder will employ hardware comparable to the advanced data-centre infrastructure used on Earth for cutting-edge AI applications.

• In 2024, Agnikul Cosmos achieved a milestone by successfully launching its maiden sub-orbital test vehicle, powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. The engine, named Agnilet, operates using sub-cooled oxygen as propellant.

— The mission, titled “Agnibaan – SOrTeD” (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator), was launched from “Dhanush,” India’s first privately developed launch pad established by Agnikul. The launch also marked India’s first rocket mission powered by a semi-cryogenic engine.

4. IN-SPACe

• In 2020, the Government of India established IN-SPACe and later introduced the Indian Space Policy 2023 to encourage wider participation of private companies in the country’s space sector.
• IN-SPACe operates as an autonomous, single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space (DoS), functioning independently to support and oversee non-governmental participation in space activities.
• The organisation serves both as a facilitator and a regulatory body. It acts as a bridge between ISRO and private enterprises while also evaluating the most effective ways to utilise India’s space assets and expand space-related operations.
• According to ISRO, IN-SPACe is entrusted with the responsibility of promoting, enabling, authorising, and supervising a range of activities undertaken by non-governmental entities. These include the development of launch vehicles and satellites, delivery of space-based services, access to infrastructure and facilities managed by DoS/ISRO, and the establishment of new space infrastructure.
• In 2025, the government finalised a revised draft of the Space Activities Bill with the objective of expanding India’s space economy to 44 billion dollars by 2033. Out of this projected market size, around 11 billion dollars is expected to come from exports. By comparison, India’s space sector was estimated to have a market value of 8.4 billion dollars in 2022.