Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel has achieved a major milestone. It has been selected to take part in the USD 476 million Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition program of NASA. It is the largest supplier deal made by NASA with an Indian company. Pixxel will be providing NASA and academic partners advanced earth observation data using its innovative hyperspectral imaging technology under the deal.
Hyperspectral imaging is a technology for collecting data from hundreds of narrow wavelengths. It gives unique insights into important environmental factors. Pixxel uses the technology to help industries and governments in making better decisions. It provides them with detailed information which is needed for managing natural resources and protecting the environment.
Pixxel CEO and co-founder Awais Ahmed views the contract as a major validation of their efforts.
The startup has plans to deploying its Fireflies satellites and is being said that it is the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever developed. The satellites are to capture data across 250 spectral bands and provide a comprehensive 40 km swath width and a global revisit frequency of just 24 hours. The goal of Pixxel is to expand its satellite constellation to 24 and make high-quality hyperspectral data more widely available for commercial applications.
The first hyperspectral satellite of Pixxel is Anand and was launched in December 2022. The contract with NASA is said to strengthen its position in the international space community. The partnership may also open doors to more global collaborations. As an aftermath, India’s role in advancing earth observation technologies is to strengthen in the world.
