Pixxel, a pioneering space tech startup from Bengaluru, has made history by winning the largest National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contract awarded to an Indian company to date. The development came on Monday, 9 September 2024.
Founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed (CEO), and Kshitij Khandelwal (CTO), as a part of the deal, Pixxel joins NASA’s $476-million commercial smallsat (small satellite) data acquisition program, utilizing its advanced hyperspectral earth-imaging capabilities to drive earth science innovations. As the first Indian startup to achieve this feat since the sector’s privatization in 2020, Pixxel will contribute to the program until November 2028, cementing its position in the global space industry.
Pixxel will supply hyperspectral earth observation data to NASA, the US government, and academic partners, enhancing their earth science research capabilities and supporting a wide range of applications.
By capturing data across a wide range of narrow wavelengths, Pixxel’s hyperspectral datasets provide unparalleled granularity, revealing subtle patterns and insights that can inform decision-making in vital areas like climate change, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and optimal resource management.
Expressing his enthusiasm for winning the deal with NASA, Awais Ahmed, Co-founder and CEO of Pixxel said,
“Being selected for this NASA contract is a monumental achievement for Pixxel. It further validates that hyperspectral imaging will be integral to the future of space-based earth observation and enable us to build a health monitor for the planet,” said Ahmed
“We are deeply honoured to support NASA’s earth observation initiatives. We will demonstrate the transformative potential of Pixxel’s hyperspectral technology in addressing critical environmental challenges.” Ahmed added
In addition to Pixxel, a cohort of innovative companies has been selected to join the NASA deal, hailing from various locations across North America. These companies include BlackSky Geospatial Solutions from Virginia, ICEYE US from California, and MDA Geospatial Services from Canada. Additionally, Planet Labs Federal from Virginia, Satellogic Federal from North Carolina, and Teledyne Brown Engineering from Alabama will also contribute their expertise and capabilities to the agreement. Together, these companies will work in tandem to support NASA’s earth science research and applications, driving progress in the field through their collective innovations.
Capitalizing on its recent success, Pixxel is poised to revolutionize the industry with the imminent launch of Fireflies, its cutting-edge hyperspectral satellites boasting an unprecedented 5-metre resolution. This groundbreaking mission will mark the deployment of the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite.
The Fireflies satellites will capture an unprecedented wealth of data, spanning 250 spectral bands, to deliver comprehensive coverage of the Earth’s surface. With a swath width of 40 km, they will provide detailed insights over a broad area, while their ability to revisit any point on the planet within 24 hours will enable timely monitoring and updates.
“This contract represents a major step in leveraging commercial hyperspectral data to bolster earth science research and environmental monitoring. We are proud to foster further collaboration on hyperspectral data applications within the scientific community. And, we look forward to working with NASA to further its mission with this cutting-edge earth monitoring modality.” said Aakash Parekh, Chief Commercial Officer of Pixxel
Pixxel is poised to revolutionize the availability of hyperspectral data, with six new satellites set to launch soon, and plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites. This strategic expansion will unlock unprecedented access to real-time, actionable insights, empowering stakeholders across industries and governments to make informed decisions, optimize natural resource management, and foster environmental resilience. By democratizing access to high-quality hyperspectral data, Pixxel is poised to drive transformative impact and shape a more sustainable future.
Marking a major milestone, Pixxel successfully launched its inaugural hyperspectral satellite, Anand, in December 2022.
