Pixxel bags NASA contract for hyperspectral imaging of earth

• Bengaluru-based startup’s ambitious plans include expanding its constellation to 24 satellites, which will further enhance the availability and accessibility of hyperspectral data on a commercial scale.

The Indian space sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since its liberalisation in 2020, paving the way for private companies to contribute significantly to space exploration and technology.

Among the trailblazers in this burgeoning industry is Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel, which has recently secured a prestigious contract with NASA as part of its $476-million commercial small satellite data acquisition programme.

The achievement marks a significant milestone, not only for Pixxel but also for the Indian space startup ecosystem, as it is the first contract awarded to an Indian startup under this initiative.

Pixxel’s co-founder and CEO, Awais Ahmed, hailed the contract as a “monumental achievement,” emphasising the importance of hyperspectral imaging technology in the realm of Earth observation.

The contract, which is valid until November 2028, underscores the growing recognition of hyperspectral imaging as a crucial tool for monitoring the health of our planet.

Generation of detailed insights

By providing NASA and its partners with hyperspectral Earth observation data, Pixxel is poised to enhance the administration’s Earth science research and application activities, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of global environmental challenges.

Hyperspectral imaging is a cutting-edge technology that captures data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths.

The capability allows for the generation of detailed insights into various critical areas, including climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management. The ability to analyse data across over 250 spectral bands positions Pixxel’s satellites as invaluable assets for stakeholders in diverse sectors.

Fireflies

With a swath width of 40 kilometres and a 24-hour revisit frequency, Pixxel’s upcoming satellites, known as Fireflies, will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever launched.

The unprecedented resolution will enable the detection, monitoring, and prediction of critical global phenomena with up to 50 times richer detail than currently available technologies.

In addition to its satellite endeavours, Pixxel is also committed to democratising access to satellite imagery analysis through its in-house Earth Observation Studio, Aurora.

The platform aims to make complex satellite data more accessible to a broader range of users, including governments and industries, thereby fostering informed decision-making based on real-time environmental data.

The company’s ambitious plans include expanding its constellation to 24 satellites, which will further enhance the availability and accessibility of hyperspectral data on a commercial scale.

Pixxel’s success is not solely attributed to its innovative technology but also to the robust financial backing it has received from prominent investors, including Google, Lightspeed, and Accenture.

With over $70 million raised, the company is well-positioned to accelerate its growth and continue its mission of providing cutting-edge Earth observation solutions.