Pixxel, a space technology company based in Bangalore that is well-known for creating the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation in the world, has inked a second contract with the Indian government’s Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
This agreement aims to develop advanced Hyperspectral and Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) payloads specifically tailored for the Indian Air Force. It was given to its subsidiary SpacePixxel Pvt Ltd as part of the iDEX DISC 8 Challenge 6.2 under the SPARK (Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart) Grant.
This new award expands on Pixxel’s previous partnership with the Indian defense ecosystem, particularly when the company was chosen in 2023 to produce miniaturized multi-payload satellites for the Air Force as part of the Mission DefSpace Challenge of iDEX Prime (Space).
With this milestone, Pixxel will be able to develop and build next-generation Earth observation payloads with security-grade performance by utilizing its in-house satellite manufacturing and optical engineering skills. India’s airborne and space-based imaging capabilities will be greatly enhanced by the high-resolution Hyperspectral and MWIR payloads, which will enable a variety of operational and strategic defense applications.
The grant is a significant milestone in Pixxel’s path to place India at the forefront of next-generation aeronautical innovation, said Awais Ahmed, the company’s founder and CEO, underscoring the significance of this accomplishment. He emphasized the company’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with the Indian government and constructing cutting-edge space infrastructure domestically.
As part of a larger government strategy, the iDEX SPARK grant helps Indian entrepreneurs and MSMEs develop innovative prototypes and technologies more quickly, promoting an independent and innovative environment in the nation. The fact that Pixxel is still participating in these government-led competitions shows how committed it is to advancing national strategic goals and how the Indian government is becoming more confident in its technology prowess.
Three Firefly hyperspectral satellites in space already show off Pixxel’s technical prowess, and the company intends to grow its constellation to 18–24 satellites, providing daily revisit capabilities for any place on Earth.
Through sophisticated visualization, analysis, and insight production capabilities, the company’s Aurora Earth Observation Studio further improves its products by making hyperspectral imagery approachable and useful. With $95 million raised from well-known investors, such as Google, Pixxel is in a strong position to provide scalable, reasonably priced, and adaptable space solutions, furthering its goal of creating a high-fidelity, real-time health monitor for the globe.
In addition to fostering domestic innovation and independence in space technology, the iDEX SPARK grant represents a major breakthrough for Pixxel and the Indian defense industry by facilitating the development of next-generation hyperspectral and MWIR payloads that will improve India’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic imaging capabilities.
