Bengaluru Startup Pixxel Deploys India’s First Private Hyperspectral Satellites

In a historic milestone for India’s private space sector, Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel, backed by Google, has successfully launched the nation’s first private satellite constellation. The three hyperspectral imaging satellites, collectively known as the Firefly constellation, were deployed aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Hyperspectral imaging technology enables detailed data collection across multiple light bands, offering applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and defence. It can enhance crop yield predictions, monitor oil spills, and provide advanced geographic surveillance. Awais Ahmed, CEO and co-founder of Pixxel expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a defining moment for us and India’s private space ecosystem. Our goal has always been to harness the power of space technology to solve real-world problems, and this launch is a giant leap toward that vision.”

Commenting on the technology’s transformative potential, Ahmed added, “The ability to capture such detailed data opens groundbreaking opportunities. We aim to address critical challenges such as climate change, resource management, and food security.”

Pixxel plans to expand its constellation with three additional satellites in mid-2025 and aims to deploy 18 more in the coming years. The company has already onboarded clients such as Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, with several leveraging data from Pixxel’s demonstration satellites.

“India’s space industry is thriving, and with Firefly, we’re proving that private companies can lead the way,” said Ahmed. “This is just the beginning of our journey toward making space data accessible and actionable for all.”

This achievement underscores the growing potential of India’s private space industry and positions Pixxel as a key player in the global satellite imagery market, projected to reach $19 billion by 2029.