Pixxel Deploys Three Hyperspectral Satellites, Releases First Images

Spacetech startup Pixxel has commissioned three Firefly satellites and released high-resolution hyperspectral images today.

In a Linkedin post, its founder and CEO Awais Ahmad wrote “…excited to reveal first light images from all three of the Fireflies that launched recently! A new era in earth observation begins now.”

The images, captured by satellites launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission in January, showcase the Ganga, Saloum River Delta in Senegal, and the Sundarbans. These images provide insights into environmental conditions through more than 150 spectral bands.

Pixxel plans to launch three more satellites by mid-2025 as part of its roadmap to build a full-scale hyperspectral constellation by 2026, PTI reported. 

“We’re proud to unveil these pioneering images from Firefly, each pixel providing critical data for understanding Earth’s changes,” Awais Ahmed told PTI. 

Notably, the Firefly-3 satellite captured the Ganga, highlighting its braided channels and floodplains, which could help track soil moisture and vegetation health. 

The Firefly-2 satellite imaged the Saloum River Delta, aiding in monitoring coastline shifts and salinity levels. While the Firefly-1 focused on the Sundarbans, offering data for tracking mangrove health and conservation planning.

Pixxel said that hyperspectral imaging can detect pollutants in the atmosphere and provide early warnings for agricultural issues.

The startup aims to expand its capabilities with more launches, bringing advanced Earth observation data to industries and policymakers.

This comes as the Pixxel was one of the bidders shortlisted for building an earth observation system by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). 

Pixxel is one of the shortlisted entities among the consortiums of SatSure, Pixxel, Dhruva Space and PierSight; Ananth Technologies, Solar Group and XDLINX; and Bharat Electronics Ltd and Sisir Radar.

Founded in 2018 by Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel is building a constellation of hyperspectral earth satellites to offer imaging services to clients in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and environment, among others.

The company recently raised an additional $24 Mn (around INR 203.48 Cr) in its Series B funding round totaling its Series B funding to $60 Mn. 

The startup is backed by the likes of Google, Radical Ventures, Accenture, Lightspeed, Blume Ventures and growX, and has raised about $95 Mn in funding to date.