Pixxel, an Indian company, is preparing to launch three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites via a SpaceX rocket from California on Tuesday. This marks a significant milestone in India’s emerging private space sector. According to Pixxel’s CEO, Awais Ahmed, the satellites will be positioned in a sun-synchronous orbit at around 550 km, with the remaining three set to be deployed later in the year.
The launch is scheduled to take place at the Vandenberg Space Force Base at approximately 10:45 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, subject to final approvals. Pixxel plans to expand its satellite network by adding 18 more spacecraft to the six already developed, aiming to tap into the satellite imaging market estimated to reach $19 billion by 2029.
Pixxel’s primary focus is on utilizing hyperspectral imaging technology to cater to various industries such as agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and defense. The company’s satellites are designed to provide detailed insights to enhance crop productivity, resource monitoring, and other applications with higher precision compared to existing technologies.
With around 65 clients onboard, including notable names like Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture, Pixxel is gaining traction in the market. The company is also in discussions for defense-related applications, particularly in the U.S. and India.
Pixxel is set to establish contact with the satellites shortly after launch and expects full commercial imaging capabilities by mid-March. Despite facing tough competition from established players like the U.S. and China in the global satellite market, Pixxel aims to carve out a niche with its advanced Firefly constellation boasting superior imaging capabilities.
With India’s ambition to boost its space sector and increase market share, Pixxel’s innovative approach could help propel the country towards its goal of attaining a larger presence in the commercial space industry.
“T,” said Narayan Prasad, Chief Operations Officer at Netherlands-based space industry marketplace Satsearch. (Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
