Skip to main content
Back to Current Affairs
Science & TechnologySource: The Hindu

Mission Drishti Loses Communication Due to Solar Storm

Friday, 10 July 2026
Read Original Article

Key Points

Mission Drishti, the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, lost communication due to a geomagnetic solar storm, highlighting challenges in space technology. This incident is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper 3 covering Science and Technology. Last Updated: 10-07-2026

Key Facts About Mission Drishti

  • Mission Drishti is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite.
  • It lost communication due to a geomagnetic solar storm.
  • The satellite was designed to capture both optical multi-spectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images simultaneously.
  • It used Artificial Intelligence to generate optical-like images from SAR data.
  • Drishti supported applications in border surveillance, defence, disaster response, agriculture, and more.
  • The mission highlighted the growth of India’s private space ecosystem.

India's Space Technology Challenges

The communication loss of Mission Drishti due to a solar storm underscores the vulnerabilities in space technology. This incident highlights the need for robust systems to withstand space weather, aligning with India’s strategic goals to enhance its space capabilities. The collaboration with companies like Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace signifies the burgeoning private space sector in India, aiming for global competitiveness.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 3: Science and Technology - Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
  • Prelims Angle: Questions could focus on the technology behind OptoSAR, the effects of solar storms, and India’s private space sector.
  • Mains Angle: Analytical themes could include the impact of space technology on national security and disaster management.

FAQ Section

  • What is Mission Drishti? Mission Drishti is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite designed to capture optical and SAR images simultaneously.
  • Why is Mission Drishti important? It represents a significant advancement in satellite technology, offering enhanced imaging capabilities for various applications such as defence and disaster management.
  • What are the key features of Mission Drishti? Key features include its dual imaging capability, AI-driven data interpretation, and its role in supporting India’s private space sector growth.

Detailed Coverage

  • Mission Drishti is the first OptoSAR satellite.
  • Lost communication due to a geomagnetic solar storm.
  • The storm affected a critical onboard system.
  • Utilizes Opto-SAR technology for dual imaging.
  • Can capture optical and SAR images simultaneously.
  • SAR sensors penetrate clouds and operate at night.
  • AI generates optical-like images from SAR data.
  • Proprietary technology synchronizes optical and SAR sensors.
  • Supports various applications like border surveillance.
  • Useful in defense and disaster response.
  • Assists in agriculture and infrastructure planning.
  • Important for insurance assessments during natural disasters.
  • Highlights growth of India’s private space ecosystem.
  • Collaborates with companies like Agnikul Cosmos.
  • Faced communication challenges due to solar storm.
  • Emphasizes the challenges in space technology.
Science & Technology

Practice Questions

Test your understanding of this article

Question 1 of 50 / 5 answered
1

In the context of satellite technology, particularly as exemplified by Mission Drishti, which term refers to the capability of capturing both optical multi-spectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images simultaneously, thereby addressing the challenges posed by tropical cloud cover?