Indian space-tech startup GalaxEye has secured a US patent for the core technology behind its OptoSAR imaging system, strengthening its intellectual-property portfolio and marking a significant achievement for India’s growing private space sector.
The patented technology brings together optical imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors on a single satellite platform. Its architecture enables the two sensing systems to operate in synchronisation, allowing the collection of Earth-observation data that is aligned both spatially and temporally.
Combining Optical Imaging With Radar
Optical and SAR technologies have traditionally been used independently or their data has been combined during post-processing. Because images can be captured at different times, viewing angles or from different satellites, combining them can result in temporal gaps and spatial mismatches.
GalaxEye’s OptoSAR architecture is designed to address this challenge at the sensing-system level. Optical imaging provides detailed visual and spectral information, while SAR can capture imagery during both day and night and through cloud cover. Combining the two capabilities is intended to provide more reliable, all-weather Earth-observation intelligence.
Wide Range of Applications
The technology could be used across sectors including defence and national security, agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, insurance, maritime intelligence and disaster management.
According to GalaxEye founder and CEO Suyash Singh, the patent represents technology developed in India for global applications. He said the company aims to provide weather-independent imaging capabilities to international markets.
Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath has also described the technology as an example of innovation emerging from India’s private space ecosystem, highlighting its potential for applications requiring more detailed and actionable intelligence.
Mission Drishti Takes OptoSAR to Space
The patented technology forms the foundation of GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti, its first satellite mission. Launched in May 2026, Drishti combines a Synthetic Aperture Radar sensor with a multispectral imaging system on a single satellite platform.
GalaxEye describes Drishti as the world’s first satellite to carry both SAR and multispectral imaging sensors on one platform. The approximately 190-kg spacecraft was also described as India’s largest privately built Earth-observation satellite at the time of its launch.
Plans to Build 30-Satellite Constellation
The US patent comes as GalaxEye prepares to expand its satellite operations. The company plans to develop a 30-satellite constellation over the next five years, with the network intended to serve government, defence and commercial customers in India and international markets.
The startup has also expanded its engineering capabilities through the acquisition of Bengaluru-based spacecraft engineering company StarOps.
The patent provides GalaxEye with additional intellectual-property protection in the US as it seeks to commercialise its OptoSAR technology. The development also underlines the increasing role of Indian private companies in building advanced space technologies for the global market.
