Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup, has launched India's first private earth imaging satellite constellation, 'Firefly'. The high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation provides detailed data about Earth's surface, aiding in environmental change monitoring and resource management. The constellation currently consists of three satellites, with plans to launch more later this year.
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Pixxel recently launched India's first private earth imaging satellite constellation, named 'Firefly'.
It is India's first private satellite constellation developed by Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup.
It holds the honour of being the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation.
It consists of a network of advanced hyperspectral imaging satellites designed to provide thorough data about Earth's surface with high resolution, to provide accurate monitoring of environmental changes, resource management, and other critical applications.
High resolution: The Firefly satellites boast a 5-meter resolution, which is better than most existing hyperspectral satellites, and allows for highly detailed observations.
Spectral imaging: These satellites capture data across a wide range of spectral bands, allowing the detection of minute changes in vegetation health, water quality, pollution levels, and more.
Applications
Launch and development: Pixxel launched the first batch of Firefly satellites via SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
It currently consists of three satellites. However, Pixxel plans to launch three more satellites later this year to further enhance its capabilities in delivering climate and Earth insights.
It was founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal.
It is the key player behind the development and launch of the Firefly satellite constellation.
The company has already raised $95 million, becoming one of India’s notable success stories in the satellite industry.
Before Firefly, all precision Earth imaging satellites in India were operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which has about 52 satellites in space.
Firefly is India’s first commercial satellite constellation, marking a significant shift in the country’s private sector involvement in space.
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