Pixxel Expands Satellite Imaging Capabilities After NASA Contract
Indian satellite company Pixxel has expanded its operations following a contract with NASA. The company now offers hyperspectral imaging data to governments and enterprises for applications including climate change monitoring and agriculture.
Indian space technology firm Pixxel has significantly expanded its satellite imaging services following its selection by NASA in 2024. The company secured a contract under NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program, which focuses on utilizing hyperspectral imaging for Earth science research.
Established in 2019, Pixxel has since expanded its satellite constellation. The company now provides hyperspectral data to various governments and enterprises. Notable clients include the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and India's IN-SPACe for the National Earth Observation Constellation project. Pixxel has also announced the development of its next-generation Honeybee satellites.
Hyperspectral imaging enables the collection of more detailed data compared to traditional satellite imagery. Pixxel's technology splits light into hundreds of wavelengths, aiding in the identification of early crop disease symptoms, soil nutrient levels, or hidden oil leaks. The company has developed solutions that combine satellite imagery with AI models, allowing for data queries in natural language.
Founded by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel has been a pioneer in the commercialization of hyperspectral satellites. The company aims to further expand its operations and develop new space technology solutions.