Pixxel, Indian Space Technology Company, Receives iDEX Grant To Develop Satellites For Air Force
Pixxel, an Indian space technology startup, has secured a substantial grant from iDEX, enabling them to produce compact multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force. As a domestic startup, Pixxel specializes in the advancement of hyperspectral earth-imaging technology.
iDEX’s grant is part of its SPARK grants, and the startup says the grant will allow it to develop small satellites weighing up to 150 kilograms for electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar and hyperspectral applications.
This development follows Pixxel’s recent $36 million Series B funding round led by Google just a month ago. According to a report by MoneyControl, the startup has recently been working on developing hyperspectral imaging satellites for India’s defense sector.
The startup has already built the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging satellites in India, and Pixxel CEO Awais Ahmed said of the recent development: “We are delighted to receive a grant from iDEX and leverage our expertise in building microsatellites in-house to manufacture satellites externally for the first time.” He added, “This recognition underscores Pixxel’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and innovation. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and excited to begin the next phase of this collaboration with the Government of India.”
For the uninitiated, SPARK grants are offered to startups selected through the iDEX (Prime) and DISC projects. These grants are meant to promote innovation by empowering Indian innovators and entrepreneurs.
