Bengaluru-based space tech startup GalaxEye has lost its first earth observation satellite, Mission Drishti, following a severe geomagnetic storm. While the company stated the recovery likelihood is low, the mission successfully validated core engineering subsystems. GalaxEye now plans to accelerate in-house manufacturing to improve reliability for its next two satellite launches scheduled within 24 months.
GalaxEye, an earth observation startup based in Bengaluru, has reported the loss of its Mission Drishti satellite. The spacecraft stopped transmitting signals following exposure to a significant geomagnetic solar storm that occurred during its Launch and Early Orbit Phase. While the company is still attempting to re-establish a link, officials have indicated that the probability of recovering the satellite is currently low.
Impact of the Solar Event
The mission, which was launched on May 3 via a SpaceX rocket, faced technical disruptions when the solar storm caused unexpected radiation levels. This environment appears to have impacted a critical onboard system, leading to intermittent communication that eventually ceased entirely. The company is currently conducting a detailed investigation to identify the specific failure points within the satellite’s architecture.
Engineering Milestones and Future Outlook
Despite the loss, GalaxEye noted that the project achieved several of its primary engineering goals. The team successfully established initial post-launch communication and verified the performance of key spacecraft subsystems during the early stages of the mission. Mission Drishti was intended to be the first satellite to combine optical imagery with Synthetic Aperture Radar, a technology designed to allow for clear imaging regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Following this experience, GalaxEye is shifting its operational focus to strengthen its internal control over the development process. CEO Suyash Singh stated that the company is moving to bring more of its supply chain, manufacturing, and satellite development in-house. This strategy is intended to reduce reliance on external vendors and provide the firm with greater oversight over the reliability of its hardware. The startup has already announced plans to launch two additional OptoSAR satellites within the next 24 months. These future missions are expected to incorporate the engineering lessons gained from the Drishti anomaly to improve performance and stability.