Mission Drishti and the Growing Vulnerability of Private Space Assets to Space Weather

Mission Drishti’s OptoSAR technology was intended to provide high-resolution, all-weather imaging capabilities, which are crucial for applications ranging from disaster management to agricultural monitoring. The failure underscores the necessity for better space weather forecasting and the integration of robust mitigation strategies in the design phase of private satellite constellations. Furthermore, this incident highlights the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses the risks associated with private space assets, ensuring that the 'Space 2.0' era in India remains sustainable and resilient against the unpredictable nature of the space environment. UPSC Relevance: This event is highly relevant for GS Paper III, particularly regarding the challenges of indigenization and the risks associated with emerging space technologies. Aspirants can use this as a case study to discuss the 'Space Weather' threat to critical infrastructure and the need for public-private collaboration in developing resilient satellite architectures. It connects directly to questions on India's space sector reforms and the technical challenges inherent in the commercialization of space.