GalaxEye secures US patent for OptoSAR satellite imaging technology

Indian space technology startup GalaxEye has secured a US patent for the core technology behind its OptoSAR imaging system, strengthening its intellectual-property portfolio as it looks to expand its Earth-observation business.

The company said the patent makes it the first Indian startup to receive a US patent specifically for satellite imaging technology. However, this distinction is based on GalaxEye’s own announcement and has not been independently verified against all Indian space startups.

The patent covers an architecture that synchronises optical and microwave sensors so they can collect spatially and temporally matched observations. The technology combines the capabilities of optical imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which use different methods to observe the Earth.

Optical systems provide visual and spectral information but can be limited by cloud and darkness, while SAR uses radar signals and can observe through clouds and at night. Combining the two on one system can therefore provide a more consistent picture of the same area.

Former ISRO chairman Dr Somanath S Panicker said the development is evidence of the capabilities emerging from India’s private space sector.

“Its uniqueness lies in synchronising optical and SAR sensors at the system level to deliver inherently aligned, spatially and temporally matched Earth observation data. This is not only a significant technical innovation but also has strong commercial potential across applications requiring richer, more actionable intelligence,” he noted.

GalaxEye plans to deploy a 30-satellite constellation over the next five years and acquired Bengaluru-based StarOps in August to strengthen in-house spacecraft engineering.

The timing highlights a broader expansion of India’s commercial Earth-observation sector. The 2023 Indian Space Policy opened the space economy to greater private participation across the value chain, with IN-SPACe serving as the principal agency for promoting and authorising private space activities.

Competition is also increasing. A consortium led by Pixxel, with Dhruva Space, SatSure and PierSight, is developing India’s first privately led national Earth-observation constellation, comprising 12 satellites and backed by more than Rs 1,200 crore of investment.

Earlier this week, Pixxel raised $100 million in a Series C round as it expands beyond hyperspectral imaging into broader Earth intelligence and satellite infrastructure.