Chethan Kumar
BENGALURU: GalaxEye, a space-tech startup based in Bengaluru, Tuesday said it has successfully tested its cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology on a high altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) platform developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
“This feat positions GalaxEye as the world’s first private entity to conduct SAR trials on a HAPS system,” the firm said.
HAPS are stratosphere-operating, solar-powered drones capable of extended aerial surveillance missions. By integrating its novel SAR sensor, GalaxEye has overcome a major challenge faced by traditional electro-optical cameras – the inability to capture clear imagery through cloud cover.
“The company’s SAR technology enables high-quality, all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities. The successful trials mark a significant milestone in the partnership between GalaxEye and NAL, formalised through a recent MoU,” the firm said.
It added that the collaboration underscores both organisations’ commitment to advancing India’s aerospace capabilities and bolstering the self-reliant India initiative.
“We are grateful for NAL’s support. The rigorous test flights have provided crucial insights, paving the way for further R&D endeavours focused on optimising SAR with low size, weight, and power characteristics,” Suyash Singh, Co-founder and CEO, GalaxEye, said.
Historically, SAR technology for HAPS has been primarily confined to a few countries’ govt space agencies, with limited operational implementation.
“Our breakthrough positions India at the forefront of SAR innovation, aligning with the nation’s drive towards technological self-reliance. Beyond its implications for defence operations, GalaxEye’s SAR technology holds immense potential for environmental monitoring and disaster management applications, contributing to societal well-being,” the firm said.
Last year, the firm had done work in radar imaging through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in collaboration with Isro and DRDO.
“This feat positions GalaxEye as the world’s first private entity to conduct SAR trials on a HAPS system,” the firm said.
HAPS are stratosphere-operating, solar-powered drones capable of extended aerial surveillance missions. By integrating its novel SAR sensor, GalaxEye has overcome a major challenge faced by traditional electro-optical cameras – the inability to capture clear imagery through cloud cover.
“The company’s SAR technology enables high-quality, all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities. The successful trials mark a significant milestone in the partnership between GalaxEye and NAL, formalised through a recent MoU,” the firm said.
It added that the collaboration underscores both organisations’ commitment to advancing India’s aerospace capabilities and bolstering the self-reliant India initiative.
“We are grateful for NAL’s support. The rigorous test flights have provided crucial insights, paving the way for further R&D endeavours focused on optimising SAR with low size, weight, and power characteristics,” Suyash Singh, Co-founder and CEO, GalaxEye, said.
Historically, SAR technology for HAPS has been primarily confined to a few countries’ govt space agencies, with limited operational implementation.
“Our breakthrough positions India at the forefront of SAR innovation, aligning with the nation’s drive towards technological self-reliance. Beyond its implications for defence operations, GalaxEye’s SAR technology holds immense potential for environmental monitoring and disaster management applications, contributing to societal well-being,” the firm said.
Last year, the firm had done work in radar imaging through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in collaboration with Isro and DRDO.