SpaceWatch.Global An independent perspective on space
Ibadan, 28 July 2023. – Pixxel has won a multi-crore grant from iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence under the Ministry of Defence) for the Mission DefSpace Challenge under iDEX Prime (Space) to manufacture miniaturized multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force. Pixxel received this grant as part of the SPARK grants by iDEX. As a result, this grant will equip the Company to develop small satellites of up to 150 kgs for Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyper Spectral purposes.
Pixxel has solidified its position as a key player and innovator in the space technology sector, building and launching made in India and the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging satellites. Thus, leveraging this indigenous technology and expertise, Pixxel will now manufacture small satellites for the Indian Defense sector.
Commenting on this, Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel, said, “We are happy to receive iDEX’s grant and utilize our expertise of building microsatellites in-house to manufacture satellites externally for the first time. This recognition highlights Pixxel’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and innovation. We are grateful for the trust in us and excited to embark on this next phase of collaboration with the Indian Government.”
Similarly, Shri Vivek Virmani, Planning Officer, DDP/MoD & Chief Operating Officer, iDEX-DIO, said: “We are happy to witness the remarkable evolution of startups in the Indian space industry, and Pixxel is a testament to the progress of private entities in this sector in such a short time.” The Planning Officer also added, “The grant aims to develop technologies addressing every stage of a space mission, from mission planning and manufacturing to satellite data analytics and more.”
