Context: Drishti satellite
GalaxEye launched “Drishti” (Mission Drishti) via Falcon 9 of SpaceX — first satellite to capture optical + radar images of the same place at the same time.
Core Idea
- OptoSAR technology = Optical + Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
- Both sensors on same satellite
- Capture same location, same time
Optical vs Radar
- Optical → like a camera → clear images but fails in clouds/night
- Radar (SAR) → uses microwaves → works through clouds, smoke, night but gives rough/structural images
Drishti combines both → clear + all-weather imaging together
Why it is important
- No time gap (earlier multiple satellites needed)
- All-weather, day-night monitoring
- Better for disaster, defence, agriculture
