GalaxEye, a space technology startup based in Bengaluru, has recently announced the successful testing of its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology on a subscale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). This marks the first time a private entity has conducted SAR trials on an HAPS platform.
HAPS systems function from the stratosphere, similar to high-flying drones, and are capable of prolonged periods of aerial surveillance powered by solar energy and advanced battery systems. SAR technology offers all-weather, all-time imaging capabilities, making it superior to traditional electro-optical cameras that struggle with cloud cover challenges.
The collaboration between NAL and GalaxEye focuses on developing, integrating, and testing SAR payloads for HAPS platforms. Suyash Singh, co-founder and CEO of GalaxEye Space, stated that the recent test flights provided valuable insights for further research and development efforts. The success of this partnership holds promise for enhancing India’s defense capabilities using indigenous technology beyond defense applications. SAR technology also holds promise for environmental monitoring and disaster management.
A spokesperson from NAL emphasized the organization’s goal of optimizing SAR technology with low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) characteristics. While initial tests have shown promise, further testing will be necessary before these platforms can be deployed for practical use in 2023 when GalaxEye achieved radar imaging through Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in collaboration with organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research and Development Organisation. This significant advancement in India’s space technology capabilities represents a major milestone in the country’s quest for self-reliance in space exploration.
