Context
- Bengaluru-based private space company GalaxEye has temporarily lost communication with Mission Drishti, the world’s first OptoSAR (Optical + Synthetic Aperture Radar) Earth observation satellite, after it encountered a geomagnetic storm during its Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP).
What is Mission Drishti?
- Mission Drishti is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, developed by GalaxEye Space Solutions, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup.
- It is also India’s largest privately developed Earth Observation (EO) satellite.
- The satellite integrates:
- Optical imaging sensors
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors
- Both sensors operate as a single integrated payload, allowing continuous high-resolution Earth observation.
- Launch Details: The satellite was launched in May 2026 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX from Vandenberg, California
Understanding OptoSAR Technology
Traditional Earth observation relies on separate imaging systems, which often creates a trade-off between visual intuition and all-weather dependability. OptoSAR solves this by co-locating two advanced technologies (Optical Imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar)
- Electro-Optical (EO) / Multispectral Imaging (MSI) Sensors: Capture high-resolution images in visible and multiple infrared wavelengths, but cannot effectively operate through clouds, heavy rain, fog, or darkness.
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Sensors: Uses microwave radar signals instead of sunlight, offering all-weather, day-and-night imaging that can pierce through heavy cloud cover, smoke, or fog.
- Unlike optical sensors, SAR cannot capture natural colors or detailed visual textures.
- The Advantage: By housing both systems on a single platform, the satellite produces higher image accuracy, better terrain analysis, continuous monitoring regardless of weather, improved disaster response capabilities.
What is Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP)
- Definition: LEOP is one of the most critical phases of a space mission, spanning from the moment the spacecraft separates from the launch vehicle until it is safely stabilized in its final intended operational orbit.
- Operations: During this phase, engineers perform critical operations like solar panel deployment, attitude control (orientation adjustments), and initial subsystem testing.
Why is LEOP Important?
- It is the highest-risk phase of a satellite mission.
- Any failure during LEOP can result in partial or complete mission loss.
- Successful completion marks the transition from launch to normal operational service.
| What is a Geomagnetic Storm? 1. Definition: A geomagnetic storm is a temporary disturbance in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by the interaction of charged particles from the Sun with Earth’s magnetic field. 2. Cause: It is primarily triggered by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) or high-speed solar wind emitted during periods of intense solar activity, such as solar flares. 3. Effects: Geomagnetic storms can disrupt satellite operations, GPS navigation, radio communications, and power transmission systems, and may increase radiation exposure for astronauts and high-altitude flights. 4. Visible Phenomenon: Strong geomagnetic storms produce spectacular auroras (Northern and Southern Lights), which can sometimes be seen at lower latitudes than usual. 5. Geomagnetic storms are measured using the Kp Index, which ranges from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm). |
With reference to Mission Drishti, recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. Mission Drishti is the world's first OptoSAR Earth observation satellite that integrates optical imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) into a single payload.
2. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) relies on sunlight for imaging and cannot operate during cloudy conditions or at night.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct. Mission Drishti is the world's first OptoSAR satellite, combining optical imaging and SAR sensors on a single platform for continuous, high-resolution Earth observation.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect. SAR uses microwave radar signals, not sunlight. It can operate day and night and penetrate clouds, fog, smoke, and rain, making it suitable for all-weather imaging.