DRDO’s Indigenous Hyperspectral Payload Set for Final Integration on ISRO Satellite

According to DRDO and reliable defence sources on X, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to complete the final integration of its indigenous hyperspectral payload onto an upcoming ISRO satellite. The payload, developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE/IRDE), has finished qualification trials and is now entering the integration phase with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today, July 11, 2025 .

What Is a Hyperspectral Payload?

A hyperspectral payload is a highly advanced optical sensor capable of capturing detailed images across dozens to hundreds of narrow spectral bands, spanning visible, near-infrared (VNIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths. Unlike standard multispectral cameras, which capture just a few broad bands, hyperspectral systems record fine-grained spectral signatures for each pixel. This enables the detection of extremely subtle variations—such as minor changes in plant health, mineral composition, or man-made materials.

India’s own HySIS satellite, launched in November 2018, demonstrated these capabilities by collecting data in 60 VNIR and over 250 SWIR bands, with 30 m spatial resolution from a 630 km Sun-synchronous orbit .

DRDO’s Payload: Purpose & Strengths

• Defence-ready: Built by DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment, this payload is tailored specifically for military applications. It aims to enhance tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and threat assessment—such as early detection of camouflaged installations.

• High spectral accuracy: Likely covering VNIR and possibly SWIR wavelengths, mirroring proven standards like those of HySIS.

• Full indigenisation: Entirely developed, qualified, and tested in India under LRDE/IRDE, reinforcing national security and reducing dependency on imports.

Recent updates confirm that DRDO has completed all necessary tests and is moving toward mounting this payload on an ISRO satellite for final validation and launch .

Benefits of Hyperspectral Imaging

Hyperspectral technology offers major advantages over conventional imaging:

1. Agriculture & Forestry: Detects crop diseases, nutrient deficiencies, water stress, and invasive species at early stages.

2. Geology & Mining: Identifies and maps mineral deposits by their spectral signatures.

3. Environmental Monitoring: Tracks water quality, coastal ecosystems, pollution, and land degradation.

4. Disaster Management: Pinpoints damage zones post‑floods, fires, or chemical spills.

5. Security & Defence: Enables detection of camouflaged equipment, hidden installations, and tracking troop movement by analyzing material composition and temperature signatures.

With its defence orientation, DRDO’s payload will focus on enhanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), especially under dense vegetation or settlements—areas where spectral nuances reveal hidden patterns.

Why Final Integration Matters

• Milestone for indigenisation: Brings India closer to a self-reliant defence satellite capability.

• Operational readiness: Integration with an ISRO satellite means expedited orbital deployment—likely within the next 6–12 months.

• Dual-use potential: While military applications are key, this asset can support civilian sectors like agriculture, mining, environment monitoring, and national planning.

The upcoming final integration marks the final step before launch—a pivotal moment validating both hardware and mission readiness. Launch schedules are yet to be confirmed, but collaboration with ISRO means the payload could ride on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) or Geosynchronous mission, depending on orbit needs.

Once operational, DRDO’s hyperspectral payload will join India’s growing portfolio of Earth observation assets, substantially upgrading national capabilities in:

• High-resolution spectral analysis

• Defence ISR with rapid deployment

• Environmental intelligence

• Precision agriculture and resource mapping

DRDO's indigenous hyperspectral payload, now entering its final integration with an ISRO satellite, marks a significant step in elevating India’s defence and earth observation capabilities. Harnessing detailed spectral data across VNIR and SWIR bands, the payload enhances surveillance, agriculture, disaster response, and environmental monitoring—while reinforcing the nation’s push for technological self-sufficiency.

India is poised to soon launch this new satellite-payload synergy into space, opening doors to a smarter, more secure, and data-driven future.