Pixxel Launches India's First Private Hyperspectral Satellite Constellation
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | Pixxel launched India's first private hyperspectral satellite constellation, Firefly, via SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission. |
| Company | Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel |
| Mission Name | Firefly Constellation |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Transporter-12 Rideshare Mission |
| Launch Site | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Satellite Resolution | 5-meter resolution (vs. 30-meter in traditional hyperspectral satellites) |
| Spectral Bands | 150+ spectral bands for advanced Earth observation |
| Orbit Type | Sun-synchronous orbit at ~550 km altitude |
| Coverage | 40 km swath width with daily revisit capability |
| Key Applications | Agriculture, climate monitoring, water quality, defense, environmental studies |
| Future Plans | Expand to 6 satellites by 2025 and 24 satellites eventually |
| Market Scope | Global satellite imagery market projected to reach $19 billion by 2029 |
| Key Clients | 65+ clients, including Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India's Ministry of Agriculture |