Mission Drishti, developed by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye, is India's largest privately built Earth observation satellite.Launched on May 3, 2026, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, California, the satellite encountered an anomaly during its Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) following a geomagnetic solar storm.

The company reported that radiation effects from the event likely impacted a critical onboard system, leading to intermittent communication and eventual loss of contact.While recovery efforts are ongoing, GalaxEye stated the likelihood of restoring communication is low.Despite this setback, the mission provided valuable engineering insights, reinforcing the need for in-house capabilities in satellite development.The company plans to launch two new OptoSAR satellites within 24 months, expanding its indigenous manufacturing and supply chain processes.

This incident highlights the challenges of space weather events affecting critical infrastructure and underscores the importance of robust satellite design and resilience against cosmic radiation.