Two Bengaluru startups, Pixxel and Digantara, have taken a groundbreaking step in India’s private space sector by launching cutting-edge satellites via a SpaceX rocket.

Pixxel’s breakthrough technology
Pixxel has unveiled three Firefly satellites, which boast the world’s most advanced commercial hyperspectral imaging capabilities. These satellites can analyze over 150 spectral bands, offering an unprecedented sixfold improvement in detail compared to conventional systems. This innovation marks the debut of India’s first private satellite constellation. The company is already serving over 60 clients, including prestigious names like the US National Reconnaissance Office and Rio Tinto, and plans to deploy 21 more satellites within the next few months.

Digantara’s SCOT satellite
Digantara’s launch of SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) signals a new era in orbital safety. Designed to detect and monitor objects as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit, SCOT surpasses traditional tracking methods constrained by weather or location. This innovation enhances real-time surveillance and addresses growing concerns about space debris and congestion.

The Indian Space Association hailed these initiatives as transformative for space operations, with applications spanning agriculture, defense, and environmental monitoring.

Pixxel and Digantara’s advancements underscore India’s growing prominence in space technology, setting the stage for safer and more sustainable orbital activities.