(Photo : NASA)

• Indian startup Pixxel has secured a contract with NASA, marking a milestone for the Indian space industry.
• Pixxel will provide NASA with hyperspectral Earth observation data, aiding in Earth science research.
• Pixxel plans to launch six satellites, named Fireflies, which will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever launched.
• Pixxel's contract with NASA signifies a new era for the Indian space sector, similar to SpaceX's impact on the American space industry.

In a groundbreaking development for the Indian space sector, Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel has secured a contract with NASA to support Earth science research using hyperspectral technology. This marks a significant milestone for the Indian space industry, as Pixxel becomes the first Indian startup to be part of NASA's $476-million commercial smallsat data acquisition programme. This comes after the Indian space sector was opened to private companies in 2020, paving the way for innovative startups like Pixxel to make their mark on the global stage.

Awais Ahmed, the co-founder and CEO of Pixxel, hailed the contract as a monumental achievement for the company. The contract, which is valid until November 2028, is a testament to the integral role hyperspectral imaging will play in the future of space-based Earth observation. Ahmed expressed his vision for the technology, stating that it will enable us to truly build a health monitor for the planet.

Under the terms of the contract, Pixxel will provide NASA and its US government and academic partners with hyperspectral Earth observation data. This data will be instrumental in advancing the administration's Earth science research and application activities.

Hyperspectral Technology: A Game-Changer

The hyperspectral technology employed by Pixxel can capture data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths, providing granular insights into various global phenomena. The datasets generated by Pixxel's hyperspectral technology can unravel intricate details about climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management, among other areas. This will empower decision-makers with real-time, actionable insights, boosting natural resource management and enhancing environmental resilience.

Building on this momentum, Pixxel is gearing up to launch six satellites shortly. These satellites, named Fireflies, will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever launched, boasting a 5-metre resolution. They will capture data across over 250 spectral bands, offering comprehensive coverage with a 40 km swath width and a 24-hour revisit frequency anywhere on the planet.

In addition to the initial six satellites, Pixxel also plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites to make hyperspectral data commercially available. This will broaden the accessibility of hyperspectral data to stakeholders across various industries and governments, further solidifying Pixxel's position as a leader in the field.

Pixxel's Future Plans and Achievements

Pixxel's constellation of the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites are designed for 24-hour revisits anywhere on Earth. These satellites can detect, monitor, and predict critical global phenomena across sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and the environment in up to 50 times richer detail.

In a bid to make satellite imagery analysis more accessible, Pixxel has launched its in-house Earth Observation Studio, Aurora. This initiative underscores Pixxel's commitment to democratizing access to satellite data and empowering stakeholders with the tools they need to make informed decisions.

Pixxel's innovative approach and promising technology have attracted significant investment. The company has raised over $70 million from a diverse range of investors, including Google, Lightspeed, Radical Ventures, Relativity's Jordan Noone, Seraphim Capital, Ryan Johnson, Blume Ventures, Sparta LLC, Accenture, and others.