India’s private space ecosystem reached a major milestone with the successful launch of GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti, which features the world’s first OptoSAR satellite and India’s largest privately built satellite. The mission marks a significant advance in all‑weather earth observation capabilities and strengthens the country’s growing space technology landscape.Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among those who congratulated the team on the successful launch.PM Modi lauded the achievement, calling it an important moment in India’s space journey. He said the successful deployment of the OptoSAR satellite reflected the passion of India’s youth for innovation and nation-building, and extended his best wishes to the founders and the entire GalaxEye team for their continued contribution to cutting-edge space technology.The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also praised the achievement, saying it was proud to support such initiatives by providing access to its satellite testing facilities. ISRO said its efforts were aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the growth of India’s emerging private space sector.The space agency said such collaborations were helping build a stronger and more self-reliant space ecosystem, enabling private players to contribute meaningfully to advanced space research and applications.The satellite was placed in orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from California. The rocket launched the CAS500-2 mission and delivered 45 payloads into orbit, including the OptoSAR satellite.Mission Drishti is being seen as a major step forward in enhancing India’s earth observation capabilities, while also highlighting the expanding role of private participation in the country’s space sector.