Bengaluru, 25 June 2024: Pixxel, a leader in cutting-edge hyperspectral earth-imaging technology, announced that it has officially signed the landmark 350th iDEX contract with the Ministry of Defence at a ceremony in New Delhi today. Awarded as the first-ever iDEX Prime (Space) Satellite Grant under the Mission DefSpace Challenge, this contract empowers Pixxel to develop miniaturised multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force.
The contract was signed between Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel, and Shri Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and CEO of IDEX-DIO, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, the Vice Chiefs of the Armed Forces, and other officials of the Ministry of Defence.
Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel, expressed his gratitude and excitement: "The iDEX Prime Space grant received by Pixxel is the first-of-its-kind grant for satellites. The official signing of the contract today is a testament to Pixxel’s dedication to advancing space technology in the country and reflects the government’s confidence in our satellite manufacturing capabilities. We are honoured to receive this support and look forward to utilising it to develop cutting-edge multi-payload satellites that push the boundaries of space exploration."
Received as part of the SPARK grants by iDEX, this contract will initiate Pixxel’s efforts to develop small satellites of up to 150 kg for Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral purposes. The 350th contract will enable innovation in space electronics, allowing for faster and more economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.
The SPARK grants are offered to startups selected through the iDEX (Prime) and DISC initiatives to empower Indian innovators and entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions in India. Pixxel emerged as the grant winner among many companies due to its pioneering technology in hyperspectral satellite manufacturing.
As Pixxel sets out to launch six commercial-grade hyperspectral satellites, ‘Fireflies’, this year, the company remains committed to harnessing its indigenous expertise and the power of hyperspectral satellites for a sustainable future. Building on its expertise, Pixxel now offers high-performance, cost-effective satellite manufacturing solutions, empowering clients to drive meaningful change with space data.
