GalaxEye, India's space start-up, achieves a milestone by testing its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on a high-altitude drone platform, marking global private sector leadership in SAR technology integration. This advancement enhances national security capabilities and aligns with India's technological self-reliance initiative, 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
India's space start-up GalaxEye announced on Tuesday that it successfully tested a home-built synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on a drone. This radar can capture images of the earth even in cloudy conditions and at night. The test marks a significant achievement as GalaxEye becomes the first private entity globally to test this technology on a high-altitude drone platform.
The high-flying drone, known as the High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) platform, was tested by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratory (CSIR-NAL) on May 13 at an altitude of 25,000 feet (7.62 km). GalaxEye's SAR was initially tested at an altitude of one kilometer, with plans to gradually scale up tests to seven kilometers, according to Suyash Singh, co-founder and CEO of Bengaluru-based GalaxEye.
SAR technology has significant applications beyond defense, including environmental monitoring and disaster management. The integration of SAR with the HAPS platform could enhance national security and intelligence gathering. Singh emphasized the potential of SAR technology when optimized for low size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics.
"GalaxEye is the first private entity to test SAR technology on a HAPS platform," said Singh. "Our focus is on improving SAR with low SWaP to maximize its capabilities. The insights from these test flights will guide further research and development."
Singh highlighted that GalaxEye's advancements align with India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, which aims to boost national defense capabilities and technological self-reliance. The successful integration of SAR with HAPS could position India as a leader in SAR innovation.
The HAPS platform developed by CSIR-NAL can currently fly at an altitude of nearly eight kilometers and is expected to reach 18 kilometers for extended durations. These platforms, powered by solar energy and advanced battery systems, can provide prolonged aerial surveillance with high-quality imaging in all weather conditions and at all times.
"SAR technology is essential for HAPS," said a CSIR-NAL spokesperson. "GalaxEye's drone-based SAR capabilities are promising for integrating such systems into HAPS. While the initial tests are encouraging, further tests are necessary before these platforms can be used practically."
Globally, SAR technology for HAPS has primarily been used by governmental space agencies, with limited operational deployment. GalaxEye is also developing the world's first multi-sensor earth observation satellite, expected to launch next year. The start-up has successfully developed India's first UAV SAR system for defense markets and completed over 200 successful flights.
GalaxEye's breakthrough in SAR technology represents a significant step forward in India's space and defense capabilities, reinforcing the country's position in the global technology landscape.
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