Spacetech startup GalaxEye has received ₹63.84 crore in financial support from the Centre’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to advance its multisensor satellite technology. The Bengaluru-based company signed an agreement with the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for this funding, which is provided through optionally convertible debentures. The project’s total approved cost stands at ₹247.69 crore, according to a government statement.
The funding aims to help GalaxEye develop an indigenous satellite capable of OptoSAR imaging with a resolution finer than 0.5 metres. The project will elevate the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, which is a demonstrated prototype, to TRL 9, indicating a system proven in operation. GalaxEye’s technology integrates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with electro-optical (EO) imaging, allowing it to capture high-resolution Earth observation images regardless of cloud cover or lighting conditions.
This development is significant for India’s space technology sector as it enhances indigenous capabilities in high-resolution satellite imaging. The combined SAR and EO technology enables wide-area and long-range surveillance, detection of people and vehicles, and target classification. The TDB’s support aligns with its focus on promoting emerging space technologies and facilitating their commercialisation, which could strengthen India’s position in Earth observation and defence applications.
The agreement with GalaxEye was formalised this month, marking a key milestone in the startup’s journey to commercialise its multisensor satellite technology. The project’s advancement to TRL 9 will demonstrate operational readiness, potentially opening avenues for deployment in surveillance and reconnaissance missions.