Meet Suyash Singh: The 30-year-old Indian CEO from IIT Madras behind the world-first OptoSAR satellite
In a remarkable achievement for India’s private space sector, Suyash Singh, a 30-year-old CEO and co-founder of GalaxEye, has made headlines with the launch of the Drishti satellite. This satellite, weighing 190kg, was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on May 3, 2026. Drishti is notable for carrying the world’s first operational OptoSAR hybrid sensor, a groundbreaking technology that combines optical and radar imaging to provide all-weather, day-and-night vision of the Earth.
Early Life and Education
Suyash Singh’s journey into the world of aerospace began with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from LNCT. He then pursued a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. It was during his time at IIT that Suyash’s leadership qualities began to shine. In 2017, he founded Avishkar Hyperloop, which was India’s first student Hyperloop team. Under his leadership, the team became the only Asian finalist at the 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition held in California.
This experience of managing complex hardware and processing large datasets under tight deadlines proved invaluable for Suyash. Prior to his work with Avishkar Hyperloop, he spent nearly four years as a data analyst at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he later returned as a Machine Vision Researcher, focusing on building architectures for satellite-based platforms.
The Birth of GalaxEye
The idea for GalaxEye was born out of a practical frustration. While studying the devastating California wildfires in 2018, Suyash and his colleagues identified a significant limitation in existing Earth observation technologies. They discovered that optical satellites were ineffective in smoke and cloudy conditions, while radar satellites provided rich data that was often difficult for users to interpret.
Instead of choosing one technology over the other, Suyash decided to combine both optical and radar capabilities. He reunited his core team from Avishkar Hyperloop, which included Denil Chawda, Kishan Thakkar, Pranit Mehta, and Rakshit Bhatt, to develop a single satellite sensor capable of delivering high-resolution imagery that is easy to use, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Mission Drishti
Unlike conventional satellites that typically carry either optical or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors, Drishti’s hybrid OptoSAR system offers the advantages of both. This innovative system produces clear, photograph-like images even in challenging conditions such as clouds or nighttime. The mission was executed with remarkable efficiency; while typical satellite projects can take 5 to 7 years, GalaxEye transitioned from concept to orbit in a significantly shorter timeframe.
This rapid development was made possible through tight integration of hardware and software, the use of indigenous intellectual property, and close collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IN-SPACe.
Building a Deep-Tech Powerhouse
To date, GalaxEye has successfully raised approximately $18.8 million (over ₹155 crore) from prominent investors, including Infosys, Speciale Invest, and Mela Ventures. With Drishti now in orbit, the company is poised to commercialize high-frequency Earth observation data across various sectors, including defense, insurance, disaster management, and climate monitoring.
Despite the significant success of GalaxEye, Suyash’s personal net worth remains undisclosed, which is common for founders of early-stage deep-tech companies.
Recognition and Future Prospects
In a rare acknowledgment of a young entrepreneur’s achievements, Suyash Singh was featured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat episode 133 on August 2024. The Prime Minister praised Suyash and his team as exemplars of “New India,” highlighting their courage in tackling global challenges through innovation and technology.
Conclusion
Suyash Singh’s journey from the classrooms of IIT Madras to leading one of Asia’s most ambitious space ventures is a testament to the potential of young entrepreneurs in India. With the successful launch of Drishti and the innovative OptoSAR technology, Suyash and GalaxEye are paving the way for a new era in Earth observation, showcasing the power of combining technology and vision to address pressing global issues.
Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and reflects the latest developments in the field of space technology and entrepreneurship.
