Space data company and spacecraft manufacturer Pixxel has signed an iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) contract with the Ministry of Defence to develop miniaturised multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was formalized in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking the 350th contract under the iDEX initiative.
The Bengaluru-based firm announced that this contract will spearhead its efforts to create small satellites, each weighing up to 150 kg, for Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral applications. The initiative aims to foster innovation in space electronics, promoting faster and more economical deployment, scalability, and reduced environmental impact.
The contract was signed by Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel, and Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and CEO of iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation. This agreement was awarded as the first-ever iDEX Prime (Space) Satellite Grant under the Mission DefSpace Challenge.
Awais Ahmed expressed that the signing of this contract validates Pixxel’s advancements in space technology and reflects the government’s confidence in the company’s capabilities. “This contract is a significant milestone in our journey to enhance space technology in India,” said Ahmed.
Pixxel is also set to launch six commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, named Fireflies, within the year. The company’s hyperspectral imaging satellite constellation is designed to detect, monitor, and predict critical global phenomena across various sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and the environment, offering up to 50x richer detail.
This development underscores Pixxel’s commitment to pioneering space innovation and supporting national defense capabilities through advanced satellite technology.
