Current Affairs - Technology

Dhruva Space was allocated 8 satellites under the private-sector component of the SBS-3 programme, a strategic satellite-based surveillance initiative. The 52-satellite constellation will be deployed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) between 2027 and 2030. ISRO will build 21 satellites, while private companies will manufacture 31 satellites. Antaris has been allocated 15 satellites, Pixxel 8 satellites, and Dhruva Space 8 satellites. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, Dhruva Space is an Indian full-stack space-engineering startup involved in developing satellite systems and related space technologies.

GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based space technology startup, became the first Indian startup to receive a US patent for its OptoSAR satellite imaging technology. The technology synchronises optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors to capture spatially and temporally matched Earth observation data. It combines visual spectral information from optical sensors with SAR’s ability to operate during both day and night and in various weather conditions. GalaxEye plans to develop a constellation of 30 satellites over five years, with applications in national security, agriculture, infrastructure, maritime intelligence, and disaster management. Its first satellite, Mission Drishti, was launched on May 3, 2026.

25 nations are included in the global 6G initiative joined by India. The initiative comprises the United States and 24 other countries, bringing the total participation to 25 nations. It aims to promote international cooperation in developing secure, competitive and innovative sixth-generation wireless communication technology. 6G is expected to improve upon 5G through faster data speeds, lower latency and enhanced connectivity for machines and intelligent systems. India’s participation provides an opportunity to contribute to discussions on global 6G standards, network security, technological innovation and competitiveness. The initiative also reflects India’s broader cooperation with international partners in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced telecommunications.

Isar Aerospace, a German aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Munich, successfully launched its Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The launch marked a major milestone as Spectrum became the first privately developed European rocket to reach space by crossing the 100-kilometre altitude threshold in under four minutes. Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle powered by 10 engines, measuring 28 metres in height and 2 metres in diameter. It can carry payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms to Low Earth Orbit. During the mission, the rocket deployed five CubeSats and also carried the “Let It Go” experiment developed by Dcubed.

Google expanded its India-first agricultural AI models to eleven countries across the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions to support farming and water management. Developed by Google DeepMind, the models analyse agricultural landscapes using satellite imagery. The Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) model provides field-level mapping and insights, while the Agricultural Monitoring & Event Detection (AMED) model tracks agricultural activities and events. These technologies are accessible through APIs and as a data layer on Google Earth. In India, platforms such as ADeX and Krishivaas use these models to support more than 5 million farmers in Telangana.