India

GalaxEye Space is developing a satellite equipped with SAR and EO sensors for enhanced Earth observation, targeting strategic defense applications in challenging environments. Scheduled for launch in early 2025, the satellite will provide simultaneous data capture, offering defense forces comprehensive surveillance capabilities.

GalaxEye Space, a company based in Bangalore, is in the process of developing a satellite tailored to meet the Earth observation needs of the Indian Armed Forces. This satellite, set to launch in early 2025, aims to enhance surveillance capabilities through a combination of electro-optic (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors.

At the Indian DefSpace Symposium 2024 in Delhi, Deb Jyoti Pal, GalaxEye's senior vice-president of business development, revealed key details about the project. The satellite, operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), will carry both EO and SAR sensors. These sensors will work simultaneously, offering comprehensive data collection regardless of environmental conditions such as day, night, fog, or clouds.

Pal highlighted the strengths of each sensor type. While SAR excels in all-weather and day-night conditions, EO sensors provide clearer imagery. By integrating data from both sensors, GalaxEye aims to provide defense forces with a more complete and actionable picture of strategic areas of interest.

The fusion of SAR and EO data enables GalaxEye to overcome the limitations of each sensor individually. SAR data, though robust, can be challenging to interpret on its own. On the other hand, EO data lacks SAR's versatility in adverse weather conditions. By combining the strengths of both, GalaxEye enhances the utility of the satellite's observations for defense applications.

In summary, GalaxEye Space's forthcoming satellite represents a significant advancement in Earth observation technology tailored specifically for defense needs. By leveraging the complementary capabilities of SAR and EO sensors, the satellite promises to provide defense forces with enhanced situational awareness for strategic decision-making.