Pixxel, an Indian space tech startup, has successfully launched the first three hyperspectral satellites of its commercial constellation Firefly aboar

Google-backed Pixxel launches India’s first private satellite constellation

submited by

Style Pass

2025-01-14 22:00:05

Pixxel, an Indian space tech startup, has successfully launched the first three hyperspectral satellites of its commercial constellation Firefly aboard a SpaceX rocket from California, marking a significant milestone for the India’s growing space ambitions.

India is home to around 300 space startups and has gained worldwide attention for recent developments, including the successful landing of its lunar spacecraft on the south pole, the launch of a coronagraphy spacecraft, and partnering with NASA to join the Artemis Accords. Further, India plans to launch its first human spacecraft mission next year, own a space station by 2035, and send an astronaut on a three-day moon mission by 2040.

The latest launch is the start of commercial operations for Bengaluru-based Pixxel, and took place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base Tuesday at around 10:45 a.m. PT under SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rideshare mission. Hyperspectral satellites have gained popularity among space companies as large corporations and governments seek insights into deforestation, ocean pollution, oil spills, and water quality. While drones can provide some data, satellites are generally more effective and efficient in most of these cases.

The three satellites are a part of the five-year-old startup’s first commercialization phase, which will include three more by Q2, and a total of 18 to 24 satellites by 2026–2027, its chief said in an interview hours before the launch.