Pixxel, a satellite-imaging startup has signed a one-of-its-kind agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Department of Space (DoS) under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to launch India’s 1st Private remote-sensing satellite on ISRO’s (Indian Space Research Organization) PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket in early 2021. Pixxel’s agreement with NSIL is one of the first since the setting up of IN-SPACe.
IN-SPACe (announced in June, 2020) – It is an authorization and regulatory body under the DoS to enable private players to undertake space activities in India.
Key Points:
i.As part of the Agreement, Pixxel will launch a constellation of 30 earth imaging small satellites between December 2022 to June 2023.
ii.The satellite will provide global coverage every 24 hours once fully deployed and will help in solving issues of environmental and agricultural issues.
iii.The satellites will connect data that will be analysed using digital tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Language (ML) to help organisations across various sectors.
iv.DoS and Pixxel will work together to increase utilization and maximize the benefits of space assets of India.
v.Pixxel has signed an agreement with Momentus Inc, a satellite transportation and infrastructure company to launch its second satellite in 2021, with an option to launch a satellite again in 2022.
Recent Related News:
i.August 12, 2020, Skyroot Aerospace, Indian aerospace startup successfully test fired an upper stage rocket engine “Raman ”, India’s first 100% 3D printed bi-propellant liquid rocket engine injector.
About Pixxel:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Awais Ahmed
Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founders – Awais Ahmed & Kshitij Khandelwal
About NewSpace India Limited (NSIL):
Chairman and Managing Director – G Narayanan
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
About Department of Space:
Incharge of DoS – Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)
Minister of State in DoS – Dr. Jitendra Singh
Headquarter – Bengaluru, Karnataka
