Bengaluru-based Pixxel has bagged a record deal of $476-million from NASA as a part of latter’s commercial smallsat data acquisition program. The deal bagged by the space technology startup marks a significant milestone as it is the 1st such contract for an Indian startup since the space sector was opened to private companies in 2020. Notably, the contract extends through November 2028.
Pixxel to Provide NASA with Hyperspectral Earth Observation Data
Under this historic deal, Pixxel is supposed to supply the American space government agency as well as its academic records with the detailed hyperspectral earth observation data which will play a crucial role in the advancement of NASA’s earth science research and applications.
Data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths is capture by Pixxel, which in turn provides deep insights into climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management.
As per the cofounder and CEO, Awais Ahmed, the hyperspectral imaging shall be more and more important in the future when it comes to the space-based earth observation and also shall help in creating a planetary health monitor. Regarding the deal, the cofounder and CEO expressed pride in supporting NASA’s earth observation goals and in showcasing the transformative capabilities of Pixxel’s technology.
Pixxel Expands Satellite Capabilities with Fireflies Launch and Plans for 24-Satellite Constellation
Other notable companies include the likes of BlackSky Geospatial Solutions, ICEYE US, MDA Geospatial Service, Planet Labs Federal, Satellogic Federal, and Teledyne Brown Engineering.
Building on this momentum, Pixxel is set to launch its Fireflies hyperspectral satellites, which will feature 5-metre resolution, 250 spectral bands, and a 40 km swath width with a 24-hour revisit frequency which would in turn enhance the environmental monitoring and decision-making.
The startup also plans to expand its satellite constellation to 24, which would in turn broaden the availability of hyperspectral data for various stakeholders.
Notably, the company’s 1st hyperspectral satellite “Anand” was launched in December 2022.
