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An exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi highlighted India's emerging prowess in defence and space technologies, spotlighting private sector innovations developed alongside the Indian Space Research Organisation. Among the featured innovations is OptoSAR, a 190-kilogram satellite designed by IIT Madras alumni that combines optical payloads and synthetic aperture radar. The satellite simultaneously captures images through clouds, smoke, and nighttime conditions, serving defence operations, flood monitoring, and forest fire management. Following the launch of Mission Drishti in May, developers aim to build a constellation of 30 satellites within three years to cater to global requirements. The initiative reflects growing government backing and grants aimed at expanding India's private space tech sector.

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00:00Let me go straight to Bharat Mandapam. That's where Gaurav Sawant is joining us live on the defense front.
00:06There are several areas of cooperation there and where you are reporting from, Gaurav,
00:11we can see that exhibition which has been put up, clearly India showcasing its power in the defense technology now.
00:21From defense to space, because remember, space is the ultimate frontier and space where India is making big inroads.
00:29Yes, we know about what the Indian Space Research Organization has been able to achieve and it's remarkable.
00:37But this is where the private sector is making a big impact felt, not only launching the first in the
00:47world,
00:47but also patenting it so that a patent that has an impact across the world, a patent also in the
00:54United States of America.
00:55So let me talk to you for the moment about this satellite.
00:59It's called the OptoSar and the OptoSar is built by young passouts of IIT Madras.
01:07So when you have the best minds and you have the best environment that's provided to them,
01:12what emerges? I want to bring into this conversation, Pramit Mehta.
01:16Pramit Mehta is one of those who've designed this OptoSar.
01:20It's a satellite which weighs about 190 kgs. Tell me more about this satellite.
01:26So this is the world's first satellite that has two sensors that simultaneously capture an image from space.
01:32So it has an optical payload and a SAR, which is synthetic aperture radar, with the intent to provide imaging
01:38agnostic of weather conditions.
01:40So through clouds, smoke, night time, which is very critical, cameras do not work.
01:45Yes.
01:45In a country like India, our monsoon season, cloudy.
01:48Every flood or a cyclone, we have cloudy.
01:50All defense conflicts, night time.
01:52That's where we need sensors like OptoSar.
01:54And that's the technology that we have invented from India for the world.
01:57You've invented this from India for the world.
02:00And imagine when you have vision through clouds, and this isn't just military use.
02:05This can be used for military and civil.
02:07For example, in a flood-like situation or a forest fire situation, this will be, you know, it's like Bhagawan
02:13Shivki Tisriyaag.
02:14Yes.
02:15Our first launch, we had it in the month of May.
02:17Yes.
02:17We called it Mission Drishti.
02:19Yes.
02:19Because that is the real vision that we really need.
02:21So Drishti is the name of the mission that we have.
02:23So tell me, what are you working on next?
02:24So we are now, we have one mission out there in space.
02:28Idea is to scale this to a constellation so we can now serve the global market.
02:31So we are launching 30 satellites in the next three years.
02:35Brilliant.
02:36And that is going to help us be here, but provide capability that the world does not have.
02:41This is what is required.
02:43Satellites that are made in India.
02:44Because when you have your eye in the sky, and actually your eye in space,
02:49then whether it's communication or keeping an eye on yourself and on the adversary,
02:54365 days a year at all times.
02:57I mean, all of this is game-changing technology.
02:59It is absolutely.
03:00And we've also been very fortunate to get that sort of recognition.
03:03So on our launch and multiple other occasions, we've been recognized by the Honorable Prime Minister,
03:08supported by several other ministries in the government.
03:10So we're super grateful to have that.
03:11Is funding an issue?
03:13It is not.
03:13I think the government has been very supportive and kind with that.
03:16There are a lot of grants.
03:17There are a lot of direct funding schemes that the government has now come up with.
03:21So I think the push for the private sector alongside ISRO has been a game-changer for all of us.
03:26The push for private sector alongside ISRO.
03:30Because if you want to be in a space power or in aerospace power,
03:34you need the government and you need the private sector.
03:36And you need the youth to work in tandem for India to truly recognize and take our place in the
03:44world order.
03:45Gaurav Saval, at the Bharat Mandapam.
03:49Gaurav, give us a sense, give us a sense since you are there witnessing all these big technologies on display.
03:56Is it something that the, you know, heads of state will also be visiting or is it largely for the
04:03delegation which is accompanying them?
04:07So, from what I've been told, I've been told there are heads of state and government who will be visiting
04:12here.
04:12And that is why this place is now out of bounds.
04:15The Special Protection Group has taken over.
04:18And that is a short-short indicator of who will be coming and what they will be doing.
04:23And especially technology like this.
04:25Have you been sounded out who all are coming here?
04:27Yes, so, of course, the Honorable Prime Minister is out to be coming soon.
04:30And then there's a few more guests that we will be expecting as well.
04:33So, this is, you know, friendly countries will be here.
04:38They'll be seeing the latest that India has to offer.
04:40And technology that can be shared to benefit humankind.
04:45That is what India has worked for.
04:47Remember when you and I were covering the G20 summit right here,
04:50there were several heads of state and government and their delegations who came and saw various things.
04:55One place you have technology, one place you have, you know, Indian art and craft and tradition and food.
05:02There's so much about India that has been packed into this place for the world to see.
05:06What is the aim?
05:08The aim is to tell the world that we stand together, we innovate together, we are resilient together,
05:13we move forward together.
05:15And then if I take you back to what was said during India's G20 presidency was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
05:22You know, I am Nij Parovati Garna Lagucheta Sam.
05:25Kudar Charita Nam Tu Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
05:28That when you think the world is one family, then you don't think this is yours and this is mine.
05:33Then you put in your resources, you share your resources and then you move forward.
05:37You know, the best part of this is that India's growth story has the youth like the one standing next
05:44to you.
05:44at the center of its entire model of development where Indian youth, the Gen Z, is driving it.
05:53So Gaurav, I'll keep coming back to you.
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