Bengaluru‑based space-tech startup Pixxel has won a SPARK grant through the Indian Ministry of Defence’s iDEX DISC 8 Challenge 6.2, to build hyperspectral and mid‑wave infrared (MWIR) payloads tailored for the Indian Air Force.
This marks Pixxel’s second defence collaboration following its earlier iDEX Prime (Space) Mission DefSpace award in 2023 to manufacture miniaturised multi‑payload satellites for military use.
What the SPARK Grant Covers
The Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart (SPARK) grant is aimed at accelerating prototype development by Indian startups and MSMEs. While the exact amount for this award hasn’t been disclosed, typical SPARK awards range up to ₹1.5 crore (approx. $180,000); iDEX Prime grants may go higher depending on scale and scope.
With this funding, Pixxel’s subsidiary SpacePixxel Pvt Ltd will design and build high‑resolution hyperspectral and MWIR imaging payloads for next‑generation airborne and space-based platforms, according to official statements.
Why Hyperspectral + MWIR Matters
- Hyperspectral Imaging captures data across hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands, far beyond what RGB or multispectral systems can. This allows precise material discrimination, camouflage detection, terrain analysis, environmental monitoring, and even identification of chemical or nuclear activity from space.
- MWIR (Mid‑Wave Infrared) payloads operate in the 3–5 µm band, making them sensitive to thermal emissions. That helps detect heat signatures, like aircraft engines or concealed vehicles, especially in low‑light, nighttime, or foggy conditions.
Together, these technologies offer defence‑grade, high‑fidelity imaging that strengthens India’s surveillance readiness with unprecedented clarity and precision.
Pixxel’s Journey & Capabilities
Pixxel has already deployed three Firefly‑class hyperspectral satellites in orbit and plans to scale up to a constellation of 18–24 satellites over the next couple of years. Its proprietary platform Aurora enables powerful analysis of hyperspectral data, supporting applications ranging from agriculture and environmental monitoring to defence intelligence.
Backed by investors like Google, Lightspeed, Glade Brook Capital, Pixxel has raised around $95 million, making it one of India’s most well-funded space-tech companies.
Strategic Implications
This latest SPARK grant underscores India’s push toward indigenous technology development in defence and space. It also highlights Pixxel’s growing role in delivering security‑grade Earth observation systems made in India. As the country moves toward self‑reliance in strategic aerospace innovation, startups like Pixxel are playing a central part in ushering the next wave of capability.
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