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News on Medial
Pixxel becomes first Indian space startup to secure NASA contract
Entrackr
·
11m ago
Medial
Homegrown spacetech startup Pixxel has won the largest supplier deal by an Indian company from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It has become part of NASA’s $476-million commercial smallsat data acquisition program. This is the first deal by an Indian startup. Pixxel will provide NASA, the US government and academic partners with hyperspectral earth observation data. This will further empower the administration’s earth science research and application activities. Founded by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel is developing hyperspectral imagery satellites, which take a spectrum of light and divides it into hundreds of narrow spectral bands so one can better understand and discern anything on the planet. In February this year, Pixxel unveiled the first set of hyperspectral images from its satellites, capturing intricate details of the land and water features of regions such as Krishna River Delta (India), Palm Islands (Dubai), Super pit (Australia), Saloum River Delta (Senegal), Granny Smith Gold Mine (Australia) and Brockman (Australia). In April 2022, Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket carried a low-orbit imaging satellite developed by Pixxel. The Bengaluru-based startup has so far worked with several prominent space agencies, including ISRO and NASA. Pixxel raised $36 million in a series B funding round in June last year from Google and others.
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Spacetech startup Pixxel to make satellites for Indian Air Force
Economic Times
·
2y ago
Medial
Space startup Pixxel has been awarded a grant by the Indian Defence Ministry to develop satellites for the Indian Air Force (IAF), as reported by The Economic Times. The grant is aimed at supporting Pixxel in building advanced satellites to enhance the IAF's capabilities and bolster India's space technology domain.
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Google-backed Pixxel to launch India’s first private satellite network, eyes $19 bn market
VCCircle
·
6m ago
Medial
Pixxel, a Google-backed Indian startup, is set to launch India’s first private satellite network with its hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket. The company aims to target the $19 billion satellite imaging market forecast for 2029. Pixxel plans to utilize the technology for industries like agriculture, mining, and defense, aiming to improve services like crop yield and resource tracking. Despite competition from the U.S. and China, Pixxel desires to expand India's private space sector.
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Chairpersons of Tata Sons, Infosys visit spacetech startup Pixxel
Economic Times
·
5m ago
Medial
The chairpersons of Tata Sons and Infosys visited space startup Pixxel in Bengaluru, engaging in discussions on hyperspectral imaging and its Earth observation applications. Pixxel recently launched three commercial satellites via SpaceX, marking the first phase of its commercial constellation. The visit highlighted the importance of advancing Earth observation technologies and the role of Indian companies in deep tech and R&D. Both Tata and Infosys are actively exploring opportunities in the space tech sector.
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Google-backed Pixxel launches India's first private satellite constellation | TechCrunch
TechCrunch
·
6m ago
Medial
Pixxel, an Indian space tech startup, launched Firefly, India's first private hyperspectral satellite constellation, with three satellites via a SpaceX rocket. The Bengaluru-based company plans to expand to 18-24 satellites by 2026-2027, offering advanced hyperspectral imagery for applications in agriculture and climate. Pixxel's innovations distinguish it from rivals by providing high-resolution imagery across 150 spectral bands. Supported by investors such as Google, Pixxel aims to leverage its data within Google products, enhancing its global space industry presence.
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SpaceX wins ₹7,033 cr deal to deorbit International Space Station
Money Control
·
1y ago
Medial
Elon Musk's SpaceX has won a NASA contract to build a vehicle that will push the International Space Station into the Earth's orbit to destroy the lab after it is retired in 2030. The contract to build the US Deorbit Vehicle has a potential value of $843 million (around ₹7,033 crore). NASA will operate the vehicle throughout its mission.
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PM Modi lauds Pixxel's satellite constellation Fireflies
Economic Times
·
6m ago
Medial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space startup, for its satellite constellation Fireflies, underscoring the talent among India's youth. This is India's first private satellite constellation aimed at providing advanced climate and Earth insights. Firefly satellites launched via SpaceX’s Exolaunch offer superior accuracy in monitoring environmental changes. Pixxel plans to expand this constellation to 18 satellites, enhancing its capabilities in tracking deforestation and ocean pollution. The startup has raised $95 million in funding so far.
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NASA and the defence department rely on SpaceX in so many ways
Economic Times
·
2m ago
Medial
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has become crucial to American spaceflight since winning a NASA contract in 2006, despite initial setbacks. It delivers cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). If SpaceX withdrew its services, the ISS and lunar missions would face challenges, as NASA has limited alternatives. Other companies, like Boeing and Sierra Space, haven't yet matched SpaceX's capabilities. The government relies heavily on SpaceX for important space activities, including launching security satellites.
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Pixxel bags NASA contract to support earth science research with hyperspectral technology
Economic Times
·
11m ago
Medial
Bengaluru-based company Pixxel has been selected to be part of NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition program. Pixxel will provide NASA and its partners with hyperspectral Earth observation data to support Earth science research and applications. The company's upcoming launch includes Fireflies, the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever launched, which will capture data across more than 250 spectral bands. Pixxel plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites, providing real-time insights for decision-making and environmental resilience.
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Shubhanshu Shukla & crew float into International Space Station to warm hugs: Watch historic moments in pictures, videos
Economic Times
·
1m ago
Medial
Shubhanshu Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to enter the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 crew. The event was captured live by NASA and Axiom. Their spacecraft, named Grace, docked at the ISS over the North Atlantic, marking a significant moment for India's space program. The crew, including Shukla, planned a 14-day mission focusing on scientific, outreach, and commercial activities in collaboration with NASA and ISRO.
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growX makes 17X return on partial exit from Google-backed Pixxel
Entrackr
·
2m ago
Medial
growX Ventures Fund has reported a partial exit from space tech firm Pixxel, marking the first liquidity event for its $25 million Fund I. The exit delivered a 17X return on invested capital and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 68% over a 5.5-year investment period. Despite this exit, growX retains a significant stake in Pixxel. Founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel is developing a constellation of high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites for sectors like agriculture, mining, energy, and environmental monitoring. The startup has raised $95 million across nine funding rounds, with notable backers including GIC, Google, Radical Ventures, and Seraphim Capital. A commercial rollout is slated for later this year, with the launch of the initial six-satellite constellation. Launched in 2019, growX Fund I focuses on early-stage B2B tech startups across sectors such as deep tech, fintech, SaaS, healthtech, and space tech. It holds positions in companies like Bellatrix Aerospace, Progcap, Zuddl, and Lightspeed Photonics.
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