The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology has committed ₹63.84 crore to support GalaxEye Space Solutions, a Bengaluru-based private company, to develop advanced satellite technology. This financial backing comes through the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, which the government uses to encourage private-sector innovation in strategic technologies.
The project will focus on creating a multisensor satellite capable of combining Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imaging technologies for high-resolution Earth observation. This indigenous OptoSAR technology aims to provide detailed ground imagery regardless of weather or lighting conditions, a significant advancement for remote sensing applications.
Key facts
- TDB support amount: ₹63.84 crore
- Total project cost: ₹247.69 crore
- Recipient: M/s GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited, Bengaluru
- Technology focus: OptoSAR (combining SAR and optical imaging)
- Application: High-resolution Earth observation satellite
- Funding instrument: Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
What is the RDI Fund and how does it work
The RDI Fund is a government mechanism designed to foster private-sector innovation in India’s strategic and emerging technology sectors. The Technology Development Board, a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, administers this fund. It provides financial support to private companies and startups developing technologies deemed critical for India’s technological independence and economic growth.
The RDI Fund does not cover the entire project cost. In GalaxEye’s case, the government is contributing ₹63.84 crore towards a total project expenditure of ₹247.69 crore, meaning the company must raise additional funds through its own resources or other investors. This cost-sharing model ensures that beneficiary companies have genuine commitment to the project and maintain operational control.
About the OptoSAR satellite technology
The satellite being developed will combine two complementary imaging techniques. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) uses microwave signals to image the Earth’s surface and can penetrate clouds, darkness and vegetation, working effectively in all weather conditions. Optical imaging, by contrast, captures visible light reflected from the surface and provides colour and detailed spectral information, but depends on clear skies and daylight.
By integrating both technologies in a single multisensor satellite, the system can deliver comprehensive Earth observation capabilities. This allows users to obtain detailed, high-resolution images continuously, regardless of cloud cover or time of day. Such satellites have applications in agriculture monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, environmental assessment, and defence and security applications.
Government’s broader strategy in space technology
This agreement reflects India’s policy shift toward leveraging private enterprise in space and satellite sectors, areas traditionally dominated by government agencies. By backing companies like GalaxEye through the RDI Fund, the government aims to build a competitive, innovation-driven space industry while reducing dependence on foreign satellite technology and services.
Developing indigenous multisensor satellite capability strengthens India’s technological sovereignty in remote sensing and Earth observation, sectors critical for national security, resource management and disaster response.
What this means for you
If this technology reaches operational status, it could improve services that depend on satellite imagery. Agricultural monitoring systems could become more reliable, disaster management agencies could respond faster to emergencies with real-time satellite data, and urban planning could benefit from detailed Earth observation. The technology may also create employment in India’s growing space sector and support entrepreneurs developing downstream applications using satellite data.
Competitive space technology development could also lower costs of satellite services for Indian users, whether government agencies, research institutions or private businesses relying on Earth observation data.
What happens next
GalaxEye will now proceed with the development and testing phases of the multisensor satellite technology using the approved funding. The company must meet agreed milestones and technical specifications as conditions of receiving the financial support from TDB.