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Pixxel to Launch Three Hyperspectral Satellites via SpaceX Rocket, Advancing India’s Space-Tech Ambitions

Pixxel

Bengaluru-based space-tech startup Pixxel is poised to launch three hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket from California on Tuesday, signaling a major milestone for India’s private space sector. The initiative moves Pixxel closer to creating the country’s first private hyperspectral satellite network.

The satellites will be deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers. An additional three satellites are scheduled for launch later this year. Liftoff is planned for 10:45 a.m. Pacific Time (6:45 p.m. GMT) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, pending final clearances.

Pixxel’s six-satellite constellation, named Firefly, aims to capture a share of the satellite imaging market, forecasted to reach $19 billion by 2029. The company plans to expand the constellation with 18 additional satellites, targeting sectors such as agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and defense.

“Firefly represents a transformative leap in satellite imaging, providing critical insights for industries across the globe,” said Pixxel’s co-founder and CEO, Awais Ahmed.

The startup has already secured 65 clients, including Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture. Some customers are paying for data from Pixxel’s demonstration satellites, with contracts in place for the Firefly constellation.

Despite growing interest, government agencies in India and the U.S. are waiting to assess the satellites’ performance before committing to large-scale agreements.

Pixxel’s ambitions come amid stiff competition from established satellite operators in the U.S. and China, which currently dominate the market. While India’s share of the commercial space market is just 2%, government initiatives aim to increase this to a significant level by 2030, bolstering the growth of startups like Pixxel.

This launch could mark a turning point for India’s space industry, paving the way for private players to compete on the global stage.

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