GalaxEye to develop multi sensor system for miniature satellites for Indian Air Force

GalaxEye Space, a space-tech startup that is working on building multi-sensor imaging satellites has signed an agreement with Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) of the Central government’s Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) to develop multi sensor fusion processing system for miniature satellites that would be capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kg for the Indian Air Force.

The innovative system will analyze data from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Earth Observation (EO), IR and Hyper-Spectral sensors before transmitting it to ground stations. Designed as an independent, pluggable module, this device can be attached to any multi-sensor satellite, providing high processing throughput, power efficiency, compact size, lightweight reliability, compatibility with existing systems and ease of maintenance, GalaxEye states.

The technology developed by the company aims to efficiently handle the large data volumes generated by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) imaging satellites while adhering to strict power, size, and weight constraints, and ensuring reliable performance in the harsh conditions of space.

DIO is a ‘not for profit’ company set up two Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) - HAL & BEL. iDEX functions as the executive arm of DIO and aims to create an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia. The iDEX framework was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 to support innovation for Indian Defence, and create pathways for adoption of technologies in the Indian armed services, as well as seeding India’s future Defence enterprises.

Spun out of the team Hyperloop of IIT, Madras, GalaxEye is working on the world’s first multi-sensor earth observation satellite. The launch of the world’s first multi-sensor SAR + EO satellite is expected by the Q1 of FY 2025. “This groundbreaking satellite is set to disrupt traditional earth observation methods, marking a significant milestone in the industry. The company is building a constellation of indigenous micro-satellites with data fusion capabilities. It is planning to launch its satellite, “Drishti Mission'', soon. GalaxEye has also developed India’s First UAV SAR system for defense markets and completed over 200 successful flights with UAV SAR Payload”, GalaxEye states.