Pixxel and Digantara Unveil Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring via SpaceX
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Synopsis
Pixxel and Digantara have successfully launched their satellites aimed at monitoring Earth and space objects aboard SpaceX. This marks a significant milestone in India's private space-tech sector.
Key Takeaways
- Pixxel launched India's first commercial hyperspectral satellites.
- The Firefly constellation offers unprecedented 5-meter resolution.
- Digantara introduced the world's first commercial SCOT satellite for space safety.
- Both companies are paving the way for future space startups in India.
- These launches address pressing global challenges like climate monitoring and space debris.
Bengaluru, Jan 15 (NationPress) - Indian space-tech startups Pixxel and Digantara successfully launched their satellites designed for monitoring Earth and space objects aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX today.
The Bengaluru-based company, Pixxel, introduced its inaugural three satellites of the Firefly constellation, marking India’s first private satellite constellation. These satellites were integrated by Exolaunch and launched through the Transporter-12 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
With this successful launch, Pixxel becomes the first company to deploy the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites from India. The Fireflies are aimed at providing unparalleled precision in monitoring our planet and establishing new standards in hyperspectral imaging.
“The future of our planet hinges on our understanding of it today. The successful deployment of our first commercial satellites marks a pivotal moment for Pixxel and a significant advance in our use of space technology to tackle the challenges facing the planet,” stated Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel.
“By prioritizing the health of our planet now, Pixxel aims not only to influence the future of Earth observation but also to contribute to a better narrative for our shared future.”
This launch signifies a major achievement for Pixxel, as it embarks on commercial operations, providing essential climate and Earth insights to industries globally and reinforcing its status as a leader in Earth Observation.
With a groundbreaking 5-meter resolution achieved in this hyperspectral satellite, the Fireflies are six times sharper than the typical 30-meter resolution of most existing hyperspectral satellites, capturing intricate details that were previously undetectable by traditional systems.
This launch initiates the first phase of Pixxel’s commercial constellation, with three more Firefly satellites expected to launch in Q2 2025.
Digantara also debuted its SCOT satellite aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission to enhance space safety and monitor Resident Space Objects (RSOs). This is the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellite, designed to efficiently monitor Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Supported by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI, it aims to bolster national security and space operations.
Digantara Aerospace, along with Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI, announced the launch of the pioneering commercial satellite - Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) - to surveil objects as small as 5 cm orbiting Earth, enhancing safety in space operations.
“We are excited to celebrate today’s successful launch of three satellites from Pixxel and the inaugural space surveillance satellite from Digantara. As trailblazers in the Indian private space sector, both Pixxel and Digantara continue to set standards for innovation and excellence, inspiring the next wave of space startups in India,” remarked Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General of the Indian Space Association (ISpA).
The expert further noted that Pixxel’s hyperspectral satellite imaging could significantly transform numerous applications, particularly within the defense sector, while Digantara’s SCOT satellite serves as a critical step towards fostering a sustainable space environment and addressing the escalating issue of space debris and congestion.
