GalaxEye, a space technology startup out of Bengaluru, has successfully tested its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology on a subscale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
This is a significant milestone in the realm of aerospace innovation, a historic first for a private company, not just in India but globally. HAPS, similar to high-flying drones operating in the stratosphere, offer unprecedented capabilities for prolonged aerial surveillance.
By harnessing solar energy and advanced battery systems, these platforms can remain aloft for extended periods, providing an ideal platform for SAR technology. At stratospheric altitudes, SAR emerges as a pivotal technology for all-weather, all-time imaging, overcoming the limitations of cloud cover that impede traditional electro-optical cameras.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a form of radar technology used to create high-resolution images of landscapes and objects. It is widely used in various fields such as earth observation, military reconnaissance, and environmental monitoring.
The technology uses the motion of the radar antenna over a target region to simulate a larger antenna, or “aperture,” by combining multiple radar signals taken from different positions. This allows it to produce detailed images with high spatial resolution, much like how a larger physical antenna would perform.
NAL and GalaxEye had recently formalised their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance aims to explore the development, integration, and testing of SAR payloads for HAPS.
Suyash Singh, Co-founder & CEO of GalaxEye Space, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are immensely grateful for the invaluable support extended by NAL. The rigorous test flights undertaken have provided invaluable insights, paving the way for further R&D endeavours. Our focus remains on optimising SAR with low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) characteristics, unlocking unique phenomenology.”
A NAL spokesperson acknowledged the significance of SAR technology for HAPS, stating, “While the initial tests are encouraging, a series of further tests will be necessary before these platforms can be deployed for practical applications. We are positive about the possibilities.”
