Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space data startup, has unveiled the first set of images from its hyper-spectral pathfinder satellites on Monday. Intricate details of the land and water features in places like the Krishna River Delta (India), Palm Islands (Dubai), Super pit (Australia), Saloum River Delta (Senegal), Granny Smith Gold mine (Australia), and Brockman (U.S.) are captured in the images, which were made public as part of its First Light campaign (Australia).
According to Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel, the images will aid in the discovery of previously unseen problems that are invisible to satellites in orbit today, allowing sectors to make more informed and evidence-based decisions about global phenomena. He also went on to add that with the recent 10m Shakuntala satellite launch, Pixxel now has the highest resolution hyper-spectral capacity, which they beam down and share with their customers.
According to the company, the hyperspectral images captured by Pixxel’s satellites will set a new standard in gathering and processing information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. Besides, by utilising the unique capabilities of hyperspectral imaging, it will be able to provide a comprehensive view of Earth, assisting in the creation of a better and more sustainable future for the planet.
These images, which are capable of detecting, identifying, and quantifying surface materials as well as biological and chemical processes, highlight specific factors such as soil types, mountain ranges, bare lands, gold mines, reservoirs, agricultural farms, delta regions, and urban settlements. Shakuntala and Anand are two of the three pathfinder missions that have been launched into orbit. The images were released ahead of the company’s upcoming 24-satellite constellation, which is set to launch in 2024-25.
Pixxel has already signed partnerships with several organizations around the world as it moves closer to delivering actionable climate insights on a global scale. The companies also stated that the success solidifies their vision of building a health monitor for Earth as the company works to complete a constellation of the world’s highest resolution hyperspectral earth imaging satellites as well as AI-powered analytics platforms.