Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring

In a significant achievement for India’s private space sector, two Indian start-ups, Pixxel and Digantara, launched their satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket.  These pioneering missions are aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as agriculture, defence, and space sustainability. Pixxel’s launch introduces a constellation of satellites for advanced Earth observation, while Digantara’s SCOT satellite focuses on real-time tracking of space objects.

Key Highlights

Pixxel’s Hyperspectral Imaging Satellites

  • Pixxel became the first Indian private company to deploy a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites.
  • The “Firefly” satellites provide high-resolution imagery in over 150 spectral bands, offering six times the resolution of standard systems.
  • These satellites monitor vegetation health, water quality, atmospheric conditions, and chemical compositions with a 5-meter hyperspectral capability.
  • Pixxel plans to expand its constellation with three additional satellites, followed by 18 more.
  • The company has clients such as the US National Reconnaissance Organisation, Rio Tinto, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Pixxel’s hyperspectral imaging has transformative potential for agriculture, defence, and climate action.

Digantara’s SCOT Satellite

  • Digantara launched SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking), the world’s first commercial satellite for tracking space objects as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • SCOT’s persistent monitoring capabilities address space congestion and satellite debris, which traditional sensors often struggle with due to weather and geography limitations.
  • SCOT is key for safer, more sustainable space operations and is part of Digantara’s vision for a hybrid surveillance network.

Significance of These Launches

  • These launches showcase India’s growing space capabilities and enhance the country’s role in the global space ecosystem.
  • The advancements have wide-ranging applications in climate action, agriculture, defence, and space sustainability.
  • Both companies are setting the stage for innovative solutions to Earth and space monitoring challenges.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring
Company/Satellite Name Pixxel/Firefly Satellites
Key Features
  • Hyperspectral imaging with 150+ spectral bands.
  • 6x resolution improvement.
  • 5-meter hyperspectral capability.
Target Applications Agriculture, Defence, Climate Action
Future Plans Expand with 3 additional satellites, followed by 18 more.
Digantara SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking)
Key Features
  • Tracks objects as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Real-time object tracking.
  • Overcomes limitations of traditional sensors.
Target Applications Space Sustainability, Space Security
Future Plans Develop hybrid surveillance network for space object tracking.
Shivam

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