Bengaluru-based space startup Pixxel has made history by launching the country’s first private constellation of earth-imaging satellites, Firefly. This marks a significant entry into the rapidly growing field of hyper-spectral imaging.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievement, stating, “India’s first private satellite constellation by Pixxel Space showcases the exceptional talent of India’s youth and highlights the expanding capabilities of our private sector in the space industry,” in a post on X.
On January 14, a SpaceX rocket launched three of Pixxel’s six Firefly satellites from California, USA. These satellites are the world’s highest-resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, capable of observing the earth in over 150 bands. This technology has applications in various sectors, including agriculture and defense.
Following the launch, Pixxel announced that all three satellites have successfully deployed solar panels, stabilized, achieved sun-pointing, and established seamless two-way communications.