Indian space-tech startup Pixxel has made history by successfully launching three of its hyperspectral imaging satellites, marking the establishment of India’s first private satellite constellation. The launch occurred aboard a SpaceX rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1915 GMT, just after midnight in India. This milestone not only highlights the capabilities of India’s burgeoning private space sector but also positions Pixxel as a significant player in the global satellite imagery market.
The satellites, part of the Firefly constellation, are touted as the world’s highest-resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, achieving a remarkable 5-metre resolution. This level of detail is six times sharper than the standard 30-metre resolution of most existing hyperspectral satellites, allowing for unprecedented monitoring of environmental and agricultural changes. Pixxel’s founder and CEO, Awais Ahmed, described this launch as a “defining moment” for the company and a pivotal step towards leveraging space technology to tackle global challenges.
Pixxel plans to expand its constellation further, with three additional Firefly satellites scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2025. Ultimately, the company aims to deploy a total of 24 satellites to enhance its data collection capabilities. The hyperspectral imaging technology employed by Pixxel can capture detailed data across more than 150 spectral bands, making it invaluable for various sectors including agriculture, mining, and environmental monitoring.
In addition to Pixxel’s launch, another Bengaluru-based startup, Digantara, also successfully deployed its SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) satellite during the same mission. This satellite is designed to monitor space debris and track objects in low Earth orbit, addressing growing concerns about space congestion.
The successful launch of these satellites underscores India’s increasing presence in the global space market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. With major clients already on board, including Rio Tinto and British Petroleum, Pixxel is poised to play a crucial role in advancing satellite technology and data utilisation across multiple industries.
