ENA Sectors 2024-09-10 16:27:42 <p><strong>New Delhi, Sep 10 (KNN)</strong> In a significant development for the Indian space technology sector, Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel has been chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to participate in its USD 476 million Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition program. </p> <p>This marks the largest supplier deal secured by an Indian company fr0m NASA to date.</p> <p>Pixxel, specializing in hyperspectral earth-imaging technology, will provide NASA, the U.S. government, and academic partners with advanced earth observation data. </p> <p>The contract, running through November 2028, is expected to support NASA's earth science research and application activities.</p> <p>The startup's selection comes in the wake of India opening its space sector to private companies in 2020. </p> <p>Pixxel's hyperspectral imaging capabilities allow for data capture across hundreds of narrow wavelengths, offering detailed insights into climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management.</p> <p>Awais Ahmed, Co-Founder and CEO, Pixxel, stated, Being selected for this NASA contract is a monumental achievement for Pixxel. It further validates that hyperspectral imaging will be integral to the future of space-based earth observation. </p> <p>The program includes several other companies fr0m the United States and Canada. </p> <p>Pixxel plans to launch its Fireflies satellites, which the company claims will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever deployed. </p> <p>These satellites will capture data across 250 spectral bands, offering comprehensive coverage with a 40 km swath width and a 24-hour revisit frequency globally.</p> <p>Pixxel aims to expand its constellation to 24 satellites, making hyperspectral data more widely available for commercial applications.</p> <p>This expansion is expected to enhance decision-making capabilities in natural resource management and environmental resilience across industries and governments.</p> <p>The company's first hyperspectral satellite, Anand, was launched in December 2022. </p> <p>This NASA contract represents a significant milestone for Pixxel and the broader Indian space technology sector, potentially paving the way for further international collaborations and advancements in earth observation technologies.</p> <p><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></p> 39224 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/indian-space-tech-startup-pixxel-selected-for-nasas-earth-observation-program 2024-09-10 16:27:42 knnindia.co.in